UFC 71 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It only seems right that the Ultimate Fighting Championship puts on a Main Event that is well, HUGE.
Future Hall-of-Famer and current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell will defend his title in May against the last man to defeat him in any Mixed Martial Arts ring, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.”
This will be Jackson’s second match in the Octagon as he knocked out challenger Marvin Eastman in the second round at UFC 67: All or Nothing. The Memphis native is 26-6, with 12 of his victories coming by knockout. Jackson has spent most of his time in the Pride Fighting Championships.
Jackson Profile
Jackson has victories against such fighters as Matt Lindland, Murilo Bustamante and Kevin Randleman. He’s also lost twice to Wanderlei Silva, one of the most dominating fighters in the 205 lbs. Division.*
It’s Jackson’s victory over Liddell however, that makes this fight a must-see. Jackson knocked out Liddell in the second round of a Pride Fighting tournament, several years ago. It was the last time Liddell lost in any Mixed Martial Arts ring.
Liddell Profile
The San Luis Obispo, California native looks to successfully defend his Light Heavyweight title for a fifth time. Liddell has been on fire since his return to the UFC after the Jackson fight in Pride.
Liddell has lost only three times in his MMA career. So far he has avenged two of those three losses. He defeated Jeremy Horn in 2005 and defeated current Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture not once, but twice. A win against Jackson would no doubt be the third loss Liddell avenges.
Liddell defeated top Light Heavyweight contender, Tito Ortiz, late last year at UFC 66. Ortiz was knocked out in the third round of a highly battled bout. Liddell is currently the longest reigning champion, spending two years hoisting the Light Heavyweight belt.
How this fight goes down?
The Liddell-Rampage fight bares a resemblance to that of a Heavyweight Championship match in boxing. These are two guys that will fight and give it their all. Liddell however is the more touted striker, more than half of his wins by knockout.
Jackson can keep up with Liddell if he has to. Jackson will do all he can to take down Liddell. If Jackson can bring down Liddell, Jackson has a good chance to pull off an up setter. But if Jackson gets into a punch out battle, Liddell stands a good chance to regain his title and bring Liddell one step closer to solidifying his legacy.
*Stats courtesy of Sherdog.com
