UFC 153: Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

With one fight left on his UFC contract, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has an underrated, highly skilled fighter in Glover Teixeira looking to make a name off him.

Teixeira, who made his long-awaited UFC debut against Kyle Kingsbury, proved why he was one of the best fighters outside the UFC. He made quick work of the rugged American, earning a submission victory.

Here is a head-to-toe breakdown of the legend, Jackson, and the challenger, Teixeira.

Striking

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

When looking at both men's striking, there are some subtle differences.

The first thing is their styles. While Rampage is a boxer that does not utilize kicks, Glover Teixeira is a diverse striker due to his background with The Pit and Chuck Liddell.

Both men are extremely powerful strikers. Teixeira, who owns 11 career knockouts, has put Marvin Eastman and Rameau Sokoudjou to sleep. Jackson, an owner of 14 knockouts, has finished Wanderlei Silva, Liddell and Eastman with strikes.

The diversity of strikes earns Teixeira the advantage. However, it becomes even seeing as Jackson has knocked out better opponents.

Edge: Push

Wrestling

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

There is no doubt who the better wrestler is in this matchup, even if the man with the advantage rarely uses it anymore.

Quinton Jackson's MMA base was wrestling when he started back in 1999. When he decides to do it, he is incredibly hard to deal with, especially since his ground and pound is cold and calculated.

Teixeira, while a good grappler, lacks the wrestling chops to even make this category close. The advantage is obvious.

Edge: Jackson

Grappling/Submissions

mmajunkie.com

Surprisingly, I was unaware that Quinton Jackson had seven submission victories to his name. However, when you look real close, Jackson owns two submissions by strikes and one by injury.

Jackson is not one to look for submissions, nor is he strong off his back. He has been exploited in the past while on his back against Jon Jones and Rashad Evans.

Teixeira, on the other hand, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and an ADCC veteran (a prestigious grappling club).

Teixeira only has five submissions, but that's mostly because his striking is so good. As said, he submitted Kyle Kingsbury in his debut with an arm triangle choke, which was set up by his lethal striking and savvy grappling.

Edge: Teixeira

Intangibles

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

The first intangible has to be Quinton Jackson's motivation factor. It seems that Jackson is more concerned about life outside the cage.

Also, Teixeira will have a great advantage fighting at home. Brazilians really get behind their countrymen, and Teixeira is immensely popular. This will play into the Brazilian's hands.

Finally, momentum will play a role in the fight. Teixeira has not lost since 2005, while Jackson has lost two in a row. Jackson was choked out by Jon Jones and lost via decision to Ryan Bader.

Prediction

mmajunkie.com

A lot of people are quick to jump on bandwagons, but when dealing with Glover Teixeira, I think it is warranted.

He is a longtime veteran that has shied from the spotlight for far too long. He is catching Jackson at a bad time in his career.

Teixeira can submit Jackson, though it will be tough. That's why I think Teixeira will cruise to the scorecards with a combination of safe striking and overpowering mat work.

Prediction: Teixeira def. Jackson via decision