Sep 20 UFC 135 Jones vs Rampage: preview the fights that matter

“I want my belt back!!!” is the catchphrase for this headliner between Jon “Bones” Jones and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Both have been at the center of controversy individually, and with each other.  Jackson had a well documented “Rampage” through city streets after he lost his title on a questionable decision by the judges to Forrest Griffin.  Jones’ decision to go for a title created a split with longtime teammate Rashad Evans, who left the Greg Jackson camp. And now Rampage has been on record with accusing people close to Jones of spying on him during his training camp for this fight.  On a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel like, Jones called this match “Spiderman vs Frankenstein”, and said he could hit Jackson’s magnificently large head even with his eyes closed.

Jon “Bones” Jones vs Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

But as soon as the bell rings, all that prefight hype goes out the window, and the fans will see one of the best that there ever was versus arguably the best that ever could be...or at least that’s how the UFC wants you to see it. I view this fight as a battle between the old guard, the one dimensional fighter who has adapted to new training styles, but not techniques, versus the kind of fighters who are considered athletes and well rounded. Rampage Jackson is perfectly capable of beating the younger, more inexperienced Jon Jones. He may be able to frustrate him, get into his head, and create an opportunity where Jones makes a mistake he can capitalize on. But Jones knows full well what to expect out of Rampage. Basically, neither he, nor his camp, really have to watch a lot of tape on Jackson. For Rampage to  win this fighter, he either has to 1- have trained something new and effective, 2- go hardcore into his wrestling style and try and steal a round or 2 for the decision, or 3- connect with a power shot. Gameplan for Jones? Don’t allow either 1, 2 or 3 to happen.

Matt Hughes vs Josh Koscheck

Much like the fight above, Hughes was one of the best pound for pound MMA fighters in the world, until MMA fighters became what I consider to be true athletes. Koscheck is a testament to what developing yourself as a well rounded fighter is all about. The difference here though, is that unlike Jackson, Hughes evolved as a fighter in his career to improve on his striking and be more effective in submissions. Koscheck can be as wild as he is cocky, and he is one cocky S.O.B. Hughes may come off as cocky, but what he has is pure confidence. While Hughes is coming off a quick KO loss to BJ Penn, Koscheck is no Penn and Hughes will be ready for him. If this was a 2006 version of Hughes, I’d pick him in a heartbeat, but its 2011, and this is Koscheck’s time.

Also of note:

Gomi is 1-2 in the UFC, and if he can’t beat Nate Diaz, I expect Dana White will be saying sayonara to the Fireball Kid.

Canadian Nick Ring will put his undefeated record to the test against Tim Boetsch who is coming off a big decision win against Kendall Grove.

Tags: Bones \ Denver \ Jon Jones \ Josh Koscheck \ Matt Hughes \ Quinton Jackson \ Rampage \ UFC 135