Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva
In one of the sport’s most hotly-anticipated rematches, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson faces off with former PRIDE Light Heavyweight king Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva for the third time. Silva -145 / Jackson +115
This fight is extremely compelling, and surrounded by questions. Will the cage and the UFC rules work in Jackson’s favor, allowing him to finally conquer his heated rival? Will Silva show his old aggression and accuracy? Will Rampage’s recent legal troubles affect his performance?
It would be pointless to offer profiles of Jackson and Silva, two of the sport’s most iconic figures, who have engaged in two of the most memorable and bloody brawls in the sport’s short history against one another. Every MMA fan knows about Wanderlei Silva and his devastating clinch attack, his razor-sharp knees, and his ruthless aggression during fights. Just as well-known are Rampage’s powerful right hands, his howling pre-fight persona, his chain, and his powerful wrestling. The question remains, though: Which man will triumph in this historic rematch?
In both of their previous encounters, Silva emerged victorious, leaving Rampage battered and bloodied after vicious beatings from inside the clinch. Despite the spectacular finishes, however, the fights were a long way from one-sided. In their second encounter especially, it was Jackson who controlled the majority of the action, holding Silva down on the ground and doling out punishment before the fight was stood back up. It is very clear from their previous fights that Rampage is not capable of withstanding Silva’s clinch work, but equally clear that Silva lacks the ability to keep the fight standing.
In the end, I think UFC’s rules, and the presence of the cage, will prove to be Jackson’s saving grace. For one thing, the lack of a ten minute opening round means that Jackson will have an easier time taking Silva down and controlling him from top position. Also, the cage should provide a way for Jackson to work around Silva’s deadly clinch game. Most importantly, though, UFC’s referees are far less apt to stand up an active ground fight than PRIDE’s referees were.
In the end, I see Jackson fighting cautiously, using takedowns, wrestling, and ground and pound to neutralize Silva on his way to a unanimous decision victory and a taste of revenge.
