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Liddell vs Jackson, that's the talk of the town around Mized Martial Arts. A potential match of the year.
The UFC makes its return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena this month as Chuck Liddell takes on Quinton “Rampage” Jackson for the Light Heavyweight championship. Chuck Liddell vs. “Rampage” Jackson”- Light Heavyweight championship It’s the second time around for these two fighters. But for Liddell, it’s an opportunity to avenge a loss against Jackson. The two previously met in a Pride ring, Jackson not only came out on top, but dominated “The Iceman.” Liddell has lost a total of three times in his Mixed Martial Arts career. His first two losses were to Jeremy Horn and Randy Couture. Liddell avenged his loss against Couture at UFC 52 and his loss to Horn at UFC 54. Jackson remains the only man that Liddell has not beaten in his illustrious career. Both fighters are coming off wins in the octagon. Liddell defeated rival Tito Ortiz via knockout in the third round at UFC 66. Jackson is coming off of a debut victory over Marvin Eastman at UFC 67, in February. There hasn’t been a lot of luck for the champions of the UFC as of lately, as two titles changes have occurred this year. Liddell hopes that his title isn’t the third. Josh Burkman vs. Karo Parisyan- Welterweight bout This fight has the potential to be the fight of the night. These are two Welterweights who can hold their own in the octagon and are terrific wrestlers. A win for either fighter propels them into contention for the Welterweight title. Both fighters are coming off of victories at Ultimate Fight Nights. After losing to Diego Sanchez last August, Parisyan defeated Drew Fickett last December via unanimous decision. Parisyan has victories against Nick Diaz, Chris Lytle and current Welterweight champ, Matt Serra. His other loss in the UFC came against Georges St.-Pierre. Burkman has become a popular fighter to watch as he has been on several Ultimate Fight Nights. He has two straight victories, his last coming against Chad Reiner at an Ultimate Fight Night event in January. Keith Jardine vs. Houston Alexander- Light Heavyweight bout “The Dean of Mean” makes his return to the Octagon for the first time since upsetting Forrest Griffin at UFC 66, last December. Jardine goes up against Houston Alexander, a fighter from Omaha making his debut in the UFC. This should be an easy win for Jardine. But never count out Alexander. This year has seen its share of upsets and maybe Jardine will fall. Other boutsJames Irvin returns to the Octagon to take on Thiago Silva, who is making his UFC debut. People may best remember Irvin the best for his flying knee kick to Terry Martin at UFC 54. Sean Salmon looks to get back towards his winning ways as he faces Eric Schafer. Salmon lost to Rashad Evans via knockout at an Ultimate Fight Night event in January. In Lightweight action, Din Thomas looks to add a third straight victory to his MMA record as he takes on newcomer Jeremy Stephens. UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson, will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 26 on Pay-Per-View.
The copyright of the article UFC 71 Preview in Martial Arts is owned by Andrew Nostvick. Permission to republish UFC 71 Preview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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