Is Rampage Jackson Done As A Contender In The UFC Light Heavyweight Division?
by Kelvin Hunt on Jun 7, 2010 5:00 PM EDT
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PrintI know we've talked in-depth about Rampage Jackson's performance back at UFC 114 against Rashad Evans. Clearly the cage rust and Jackson's time away from the sport to film the A-Team movie were factors in that fight. A lot of us have questioned Jackson's will to continue fighting in MMA. A few(Josh Gross) have stated that his skills are deteriorating, and Kevin Iole and Steve Cofield debate if Jackson will be a contender. However, I think these guys are going a little too far right now basing everything off of a fight in which Jackson hadn't fought in a year and a half. Here's why:
-Jackson will be 32 later this month
-Jackson got paid A LOT of money for that fight with Rashad(we know money motivates)
-He was like two punches away from beating a consensus top 3 guy and he hadn't fought in a year and a half
At 32 years of age, the guy is at the tail end of his prime but there's still a lot of fight left in Jackson if that's what he wants to do. I don't see how anyone can say the guys skills are deteriorating after the Evans fight. Now, if he comes into his next fight and performs the same way I would have to concede the point. I think one dimensional is a better word to use in this case. However, I've written about this before. If there's a division where you could be one dimensional and win, it's the UFC light heavyweight division. The majority of the top guys are strikers with wrestling/BJJ bases. So in Rampage's case, if he stops the takedown he always has the ability to catch you standing like he did with Rashad. If he's in shape, 99% of those guys do not survive that onslaught of ground and pound afterwards.
In regards to Rampage's desire to keep fighting. I think he has the desire, otherwise he wouldn't have lost all that weight in preparation for the Evans fight. Now, if he lets himself go between the Evans fight and whomever he fights next, then it would be correct to question his desire. Like I said earlier, the guy made a ton of money(over 2 million) for the Rashad Evans fight. That's some motivation for your a**.
Lastly, even though he was outworked in the first two rounds against Evans the guy is always a threat. So even if Jackson had finished Evans in the third after he hurt him, he wouldn't be a contender anymore? Yea, that's crazy talk right? I think we'd still be talking about how Jackson is always a threat and could we imagine what he'll be like when he gets in really good shape again. We'd be oozing at the thought of Rampage/Shogun 2 and that Jackson would be in really good shape by then in hopes of avenging the prior loss to Rua.
Iole and Cofield mention that the UFC may be backing off the Machida/Rampage matchup in favor of Jackson/Nogueria. Which is the fight I called for directly after UFC 114. I think it's a much better fight stylistically and would let you know exactly where both guys position would be in the UFC light heavyweight division. The loser would definitely be pushed to gatekeeper status.
So until Jackson fights again, I think it's pre-mature to say that he's not going to be a contender in the UFC LHW division. State your case as to why or why not...
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He’s not done. He’s got the best boxing ability in the division and is the hardest hitter, which will take you far enough by that alone.
He’s got a great chin and good wrestling ability. The guy’s not done. He was just rusty and not quite prepared for Rashad. I don’t think Wolfslair is doing him any good.
I think a rematch with Forrest or a fight with Thiago Silva should be his next match.
Inhale deep, like the words of my breath—I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death
yeah Kevin Iole and Cofield smoking that oooweeee…I do think Rampage has gotten set in his ways a little too much and needs somebody to guide him to do some things differently but as far as being done as a contender..ummm…who beats him other than maybe the top two guys and even those fights would be competitive. Like I always say, you’re only as good as your last fight and when you’re not superman in MMA, you’re magically a has-been.
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by Charles Walker on Jun 7, 2010 5:08 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
yeah Kevin Iole and Cofield smoking that oooweeee
*DIES!!!
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lol…was just watching Runteldat…lol
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by Charles Walker on Jun 7, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
nah
but he needs to go elsewhere to train…thos kats aint helping his ass, they pander to him
"Be yourself, don't take anyone's shit, and never let them take you alive." ~ George Way
He's head-and-shoulders above anybody at Wolfslair... in England, for that matter
Rampage should head up to Sitdyodong up in Boston, I feel like Dellagrotte would have him doing awesome shit
Inhale deep, like the words of my breath—I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death
Yea..I could see lil Dellagrotte trying to make Rampage train…and Rampage not really doing it for some reason….lol.
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haha
Juanito wasn’t some hulk, tho. I think Rampage just needs guys that won’t blow smoke up his ass and tell him like it is. Also, he’s currently at a boxing-heavy gym and he’s the best boxer there, so…
Inhale deep, like the words of my breath—I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death
Yea
Dellegrote could help him tighten up that muay thai…
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I’d say the chances of Rampage taking up muay thai are about slim to none. He’s been in the fight game for a LONG time. He’s not looking to take up new skills. It’s well established that he is not a fan of training and really needs opponents to motivate him to take training seriously. This does not create a recipe for someone to take up new skills.
The formula to beat Rampage has been created = leg kicks + put him on his back.
not a bad thought
i had been thinking ATT but my knowledge of the camps is limited, i wouldn’t be an authority on it by any means… cool point tho, thanks!
"Be yourself, don't take anyone's shit, and never let them take you alive." ~ George Way
by RearNakedPoke on Jun 7, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
AKA would be good too, have Cain and him swap wrestling and boxing techniques
Inhale deep, like the words of my breath—I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death
sick
crossed my mind but at the same time much as i’d love it i could never actaully picture him there…
"Be yourself, don't take anyone's shit, and never let them take you alive." ~ George Way
by RearNakedPoke on Jun 7, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Who was the last great fighter out of ATT?
Not to knock ’em, but it seems like I see fewer and fewer really good dudes with that bloody banner behind them.
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lol
my bad, just thought with his wrassling, boxing and shit he’d be aiite there… MTB ftw??
"Be yourself, don't take anyone's shit, and never let them take you alive." ~ George Way
by RearNakedPoke on Jun 7, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Great fighters are few and far between
but Thiago Alves is pretty damn good
Inhale deep, like the words of my breath—I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death
Oh yeah, forgot about him
But who else? Monson?
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I agree RNP
Page has prolly 3-5 good years left, if he trains with the right team. With all due respect to Bisping and the fellas at the Wolfslair, Page isnt a good fit there. I believe, page would be better served in a camp that employes wrestling as the main focus. Maybe, AKA with Fitch, Kos, Cain etc or even Team Jackson. Page hasnt done anything to evolve his game. I can say this without fear of any feedback too the contrary.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
i really AKA
i think that would be awesome but im not sure about Jacksons, they nearly stifle their fighters or something into a formula and while Page hates training i’d say it would be nothing compared to how much he’d hate Greg yacking at him the whole time…interesting tho to see if he will move in the future!
"Be yourself, don't take anyone's shit, and never let them take you alive." ~ George Way
by RearNakedPoke on Jun 8, 2010 6:50 AM EDT up reply actions
A little bit of screaming by Greg Jackson might be what has help back Page.
Crazier things have happened. Page has always lacked discipline, discipline in his personal life and career. A little focus would serve Quinton well, he has been told how tough he is, been patted on the back by everyone he sees. Had his ass kissed for what? 10 years? Page has bought into his own press clippings, he has gotten by on his natural abilities and sheer strength. Well, Im here to say, that isnt enough to be the best, not in this day and age. I think Page could be dominate again. But he has too be willing to change.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
He is too one dimensional to ever hold a 205lb belt. That is no real slight to him as the fact is the best guys in that division right now, (Machida and Shogun) are just alot better than anyone else.
This particular article is written from a Rampage fan perspective and NOT a reality perspective. Rampage has always had one major problem with every camp he has been a part of, he is in it. Its like a pattern, he loses a fight or two and changes camps, and always to camps that are not known to have alot of top guys training with them or known for the taskmasters that put guys through the paces. He has the money, and name, to train with anyone, HE keeps choosing to train with camps that will not push him.
The fact is, he is a guy who never wanted to work a day job, happened to be a hell of a fighter. But, he isnt driven like some of the guys who are at the top, and that lack of drive will keep him from ever staying at the top of the division. To be honest, I think if he gets postive reviews in the movie he was in, he will take a route that doesnt involve alot of hard work to make a ton of money.
He is talented for certain, but in any Weight class outside HW, a guy has to be talented AND driven to consistently be at the top of the heap in MMA. He isnt driven, and unless he some how gets kidnapped and brainwashed by some cult/deprogrammers, he simply isnt going to change his goals/mental outlook to be driven.
ehh
While I am a fan…what was written is full of reality…
He is too one dimensional to ever hold a 205lb belt
I addressed this in the piece…
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Flip a coin:
Heads – He finds resolve again, accepts the strategical element of the game, moves camp and lives happily ever after.
Tails – More energy drink benders, playing B.A. Baracus in the A-Team sequel and a future exhibition beef boxing match against Dana in the vein of his good friend Tito Ortiz.
"I don't care, hit him with your groin!"
Yawn.
Randy Couture gives a Brock Lesnar a competitive fight but loses via TKO.
“Oh my gosh, Randy is done! He should retire!”
After losing a GREAT battle against Rodrigo Noguiera, and defeating Brandon Vera and Mark Coleman.
“Oh my gosh Randy is back! He’s my hero, Mr. Captain America!”
Rampage defeats Dan Henderson after winning the title from Chuck Liddell.
“Oh my gosh, who will beat that guy! He’s basically unbeatable! He will hold the title for quite some time.”
“Oh my gosh the Machida era has begun!”
Rampage is far from done as a contender. If he wants to be a contender, then he will make the necessary adjustments. Yes, I agree all that talk is premature.
Kelvin, However I don’t know about Jackson’s ability to catch a fighter with a really strong punch and finish them. He was unable to put away 3 guys that are very susceptible to (T)KO’s when he had them in trouble – Griffin, Jardine and Evans. Yes, Evans. The funny thing is both Shogun AND Evans said the same thing about Machida, he doesn’t really hit that hard BUT Machida was able to put Evans away when he had him in trouble. I believe Rampage has more power than Machida but his inability to put away the Griffin, Jardine and Evans makes me wonder . . . Can Rampage catch a fighter with a strong punch and put them away.
"There's nothing cool about taking punishment" - Floyd Mayweather Jr.
- - - -
"I'm not afraid to say it: I'm not a brawler, and I'm not a coward. I'm not going to trade punch one-for-one with a guy. I'm going to hit the guy and not get hit. That's a smart way to fight." - GSP
Veeis
I’ve wondered the same thing as well…like…it doesn’t add up…but I guarantee you none of those kats wanna get hit by Rampage…lol.
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But it is kind of weird and consistent.
- Against Liddell and Wanderlei Silva, that was academic because they leave themselves exposed.
- Arguably both Jardine and Griffin have very suspect chins and Rampage could not put them away?!?
- Evans is different because he has demonstrated the ability to get back into a fight after being in serious trouble. While I don’t think Rampage had him in really bad shape, there’s no denying that Rampage had an advantageous position.
Some is up.
. . . Oh yeah VEe Is Animated.
"There's nothing cool about taking punishment" - Floyd Mayweather Jr.
- - - -
"I'm not afraid to say it: I'm not a brawler, and I'm not a coward. I'm not going to trade punch one-for-one with a guy. I'm going to hit the guy and not get hit. That's a smart way to fight." - GSP
by VeeisAnimated on Jun 8, 2010 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasnt talking about you being biased with regard to Rampage’s current one dimensional-ness. I was with regard to looking at the reality of his training/drive/camps. The guy, like I said is his own worst enemy. He CHOOSES to go to camps where he will not be pushed. He doesnt make substantial improvements because of it. You talk alot of what ifs, and dont look at the history. History, tends to tell us a whole lot about things than potential/promise/talent does.
I for one, would love to see Jackson with a top camp, LEARNING SOME NEW THINGS and working harder. I think AKA or ATT would do wonders for him. But if he doesnt go there, he is done as a contender. I said it before his last fight, sparring undersized amatuers isnt getting him anywhere fast.
It would really help if you would use the reply button
Hit that when you’re addressing someone; it’ll indent your post directly below theirs so that things stay.. you know, coordinated.
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Maybe
But from your lack of using it, it looks like you don’t get it. It’s a heads up to keep things so everyone can pay attention to what’s going on.. stuff gets pretty hairy around here when you get past 10 posts.
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Also with all the chin talk, Supect chin gets tossed around way, way too much. The guys who are “suspect” have been hit right on the button with clean punches by 205’ers. Clean punches kill, regardless of the extra 300ft lbs behind them. If nothing else, rampage showed they are not so much suspect, since well, they survived big punches by him.
Machida, is more precise than Rampage and that, IME counts alot more than raw power. A smashing punch on the side of the head will never get the results one in the kisser can.
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