AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- In UFC president Dana White's latest video blog for UFC 123, we learn that Antoine Dodson, of "The Bed Intruder Song" fame, is a big Quinton "Rampage" Jackson fan. It's worth watching the whole thing -- the language is NSFW -- but the first minute is golden.
Amazing. Not only that, but UFC lightweight Kenny Florian and color commentator Joe Rogan are huge Dodson fans, then again, who isn't? Dodson is expected to go to the fights at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday night to cheer on Rampage. He yelled like crazy for Jackson during Friday's weigh-ins.
Run and tell that, homeboy.
Despite Andy Souwer's injury claims, Toby Imada's defeat of the Shoot Boxing great in Imada's debut exceeded all expectations, including his own. "This was a huge achievement for me. A big accomplishment. It's the first time I've competed in Shoot Boxing, especially with this calibre of fighters. It's completely new to me. I won my first match and it was a good fight and I was very impressed with myself. And Andy Souwer... well, I didn't expect it but this is what I do. I go out and I fight and I don't give up," Imada stated post fight. Imada wouldn't be at the top of the list for successful kickboxing converts as he is primarily a grappler but with Shoot Boxing allowing throws and standing submissions, Imada believes his grappling roots gave him the edge.Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/11/23/toby-imada-credits-judo-for-shoot-boxing-win-over-andy-souwer/
Jean Claude Van Damme has made it somewhat official that he will return to the ring for a real kickboxing match in 2011. In this video, the soon-to-be 50-year-old is seen signing the contract to face former Olympian Somluck Kamsing.
JCVD said he wants to be the first action star to prove he can really fight. The celebration got a little sappy when Van Damme started apologizing for falling off the good-guy wagon.
"I did my rock n' roll type life, I fell down rock bottom," Van Damme said (1:42 mark -- NSFW). "And I've got that spot following me about Van Damme is drinking. Van Damme is doing cocaine. Van Damme is doing all that [expletive]. So I'm [branded] for life."
Then it was time to say sorry to the kids (1:55 mark).
"... the only way to forgive myself to all those children, with their posters 'Bloodsport' and 'Kickboxer' and their father telling them that 'you know he's a great guy and you should train like him' and all that. Then I [expletive] up my life and everything. I want to go back in that ring to prove to those children that they'll fight in my heart."
The fight is scheduled for April of 2011 in Las Vegas. We still have our doubts that the Nevada State Athletic Commission will license a 50-year-old, who hasn't fought in 20 years, but we don't want to ruin this special moment.
Tip via The Big Lead

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Quinton "Rampage" Jackson beat Lyoto Machida in a 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 decision in the main event at UFC 123 in front of a loud crowd at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Jackson won the with aggressiveness, and escaped a close call in the final round.
The first round began just as expected, with Rampage immediately stalking, and Machida immediately being elusive. Machida used leg kicks, movement and misdirection to keep the distance, until Jackson finally chased him and was able to land combinations. After the second flurry of punches, Machida clinched with Rampage. They broke apart, and Machida again the clinch to defend against Jackson's aggressiveness.
The clinching continued in the second round, with little action coming from it until two minutes in, when Jackson completed a takedown. They returned to their feet and the clinch. Machida landed a knee again, followed by Jackson breaking free and then landing a huge uppercut that Machida survived. Machida's elusiveness continued to frustrate Jackson, who did everything he could to get into punching distance of Machida.
Machida finally exploded with offense in the third round, throwing a flurry of punches and then a headkick. Jackson appeared in trouble, then roared back with a few punches of his own until Machida took him down. Then, the two were immobile again. Machida passed guard into full mount and tried to get an arm bar, but Jackson's strength won out. He picked up Machida for a slam, but Machida popped out before he could finish it. Back on their feet, they clinched again for another takedown attempt. Machida tried for one more submission before the fight was over, but the round ended before he could complete it.
"Machida is hard to hit. He's going to be around for a long time," Jackson said after the fight. "Even though I don't want to, I think it would be fair to have an immediate rematch."
Both fighters held and successfully defended the UFC light heavyweight belt and desperately want to get back into the title mix. Both were also coming off losses. Machida lost the belt to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in May. Later that month, Rashad Evans decisioned Jackson in a grudge match between the two.