5 Logical Fights For Quinton ?Rampage? Jackson
<B>By MATT MOLGAARD<BR>
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR>
It may not have been the prettiest victory, but a win is a win, and Rampage earned one last Saturday when he took a split decision nod over fellow former champion Lyoto Machida. The victory comes at a pivotal point for Rampage, who desperately needed a win to remain relevant in the light heavyweight division.<BR><BR>
Many critics were preparing to write Jackson off, but the rugged Pride star proved that with a good training camp and full dedication, he?s still a serious threat to the 205 pound title.<BR><BR>
The major issue lingering, is the amount of rising contenders amongst the UFC?s roster, as the list of potential title challengers seems to grow with nearly every event. One must ask himself, who should Rampage face next in order to stake his claim as a legitimate threat to the title he once held?<BR><BR>
Note: I've excluded Lyoto Machida from this list, as Dana White has publicly stated his hesitance to make this rematch a reality.<BR><BR>
<B>Antonio Rogerio Nogueira:</B><BR><BR>
This is a fight that probably should have happened back in Pride, but with the Japanese organization now defunct, we may be treated to this bout within the confines of the octagon. While Rampage earned a win over Lyoto, he didn?t look the monster who leveled Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva. ?Little Nog? on the other hand just dropped a very close decision to the surging Ryan Bader. The Bader-Nogueira fight was a close one to call, and Nog showed his traditional durability, and a fine offense. Should ?Page and Nog clash, we?ll likely be treated to fireworks while the fight is on the feet. The ground game will likely provide a similar high-speed chess match as Nogueira is the superior submission artist, while Jackson holds a clear edge in the wrestling department.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>Forrest Griffin:</B><BR><BR>
Here?s a rematch that really should happen. I genuinely believe that both men possess the ability to stop the other; we know Rampage has the power to clean Griffin?s clock, and I have no issues seeing Forrest snag a submission victory in a hectic scramble. Their first bout at UFC 86 was close to put it kindly, and a second bout may provide us with the clear-cut victor we?d like to see.<BR><BR>
<B>Matt Hamill:</B><BR><BR>
Hamill?s been on the rise since the ass whooping he received from Jon Jones at The Ultimate Fighter 10 finale (which still resulted in a DQ win for Hamill). He easily outworked Keith Jardine, and followed that up with a solid victory over former champion Tito Ortiz. Dana White has gone on the record, stating Hamill will indeed fight a top 10 opponent in his next bout. Given Hamill?s tendency to keep his hands low as he wades forward, this could be a really interesting match. Can Hamill?s chin withstand the fury of Rampage? I?d bet not, but I could definitely be wrong!<BR><BR>
<B>Thiago Silva:</B><BR><BR>
Thiago comes forward, and throws heavy hands with (often) reckless abandon. It?s a recipe for an explosive fight should the Brazilian clash with Jackson. Both men tote similar styles, and while Silva is likely a bit superior on the ground (particularly with his ground and pound assault), he?s not nearly as tough as Jackson. This match-up would likely produce a standup war, and if I?m betting on one chin to hold up through the storm, I?m betting on Rampage?s. Interestingly enough, this could well be a match we see soon, as both men recently suffered defeat at the hands of Rashad Evans, whose scheduled to toe the line with current champion Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>Jason Brilz:</B><BR><BR>
Brilz is probably the most underrated fighter on this list, and he?s easily one of the most dangerous. He?s already proven his worth by earning victories over Tim Boetsch and Eric Shafer, and many (myself included) feel he deserved the nod in his split decision loss to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. The man?s got mean wrestling, and it?s actually a strength that could pose major problems for Rampage. This isn?t the ideal clash for Jackson at this point, as he stands to gain little with a victory, but it?s a fight that would do well in giving Jackson a chance to focus on his offensive and defensive wrestling. The chance of defeat is definitely strong here, but this is a style match that Rampage could grow from. It would also provide another chance for Brilz to start drawing the respect he?s earned.<BR><BR>
Got an idea for Rampage?s next opponent? Let us know in the comment section below!<BR><BR>
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