I just got done watching the controversial fight between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Forrest Griffin. The first thing I'd like to say is what an amazing fight that was to watch. Despite the decision being second-guessed and questioned more then any other fight, this fight was good for the UFC.
It was the first good championship fight the UFC has had in a long time. Any fight in the Middleweight division is barely worth watching because of Anderson Silva's domination. When Rampage and Dan Henderson went all 5 rounds, there was no question Rampage won the fight in anyone's mind.
Before that, Rampage knocked out Chuck Liddell in under two minutes. Liddell's title defenses were short and dominant while he had the belt as well.
So although the decision was questionable to many, and conspiring to some, this fight was big for the UFC.
Onto my analysis of the fight.
First Round -
For the first couple minutes of the fight it was just a feeling out process. Neither guy did that much at the start of the fight besides Forrest landed a few kicks to Rampage. Rampage did get a good knockdown with a nice uppercut and after going for ground-and-pound Forrest defended him flawlessly. As they were getting up Rampage landed some good punches.
I score the round 10-9—Rampage.
Second Round -
The second round, as advertised was complete domination by Forrest Griffin. Forrest landed a good kick to start the round. Rampages takedown attempt was stopped quickly and led to a couple big knees by forrest leading to an easy takedown by Forrest. Forrest then was able to get side control and landed some good shots from within side control. Eventually he got the full mount on Rampage and was able to land some good short elbows and completely dominate Rampage the entire round.
I score the round 10-8—Forrest
Third Round -
There wasn't much action during the beginning of the third round. Rampage didn't seem too aggressive after being completely dominated in the second round. After a minute and a half of the round Rampage did land a good uppercut followed by a solid leg kick for his efforts from Forrest. Forrest stayed consistent with the leg kicks in this round as well.
For his consistent leg kicks and Rampages lack of interest I score the round 10-9 Forrest.
Fourth Round -
Rampage came out much more fired up in the fourth round, landing very good punches right away. Forrest went for a leg sweep and get Rampage into his full guard. Rampage was trying to ground-and-pound Forrest but wasn't able to land anything solid. Then Forrest locked in the triangle choke before Rampage slammed him to the ground as Forrest was losing his grip. Forrest did get a cut that I think he sustained in the first round opened up in this round as well. Forrest was able to control Rampages posture from the ground and finally stoop up with two minutes left. They stood and danced around for about a minute before Rampage landed a couple good punches.
I score this round 10-9 in favor of Rampage.
Fifth Round -
Forrest came out with the same game plan in the fifth round, keeping his distance, picking his shots and relying on kicks to the left leg of Rampage. This was the first round Rampage was fighting like he was in a championship fight with his title on the line. Forrest was pushing the issue for much of this round and if you didn't know any better, you'd think he was more confident standing up then Rampage. Rampage finally started to really go for it with 30 second lefts.
I score this round 10-10.
So therefore, at the end of this fight I have the scorecard reading a score of 48-47 in favor of Forrest. This fight was entirely too close for these two not to have a re-match. There wasn't a clear, 100% winner at the end of the fight but I will say Forrest fought a better fight then Rampage. Rampage didn't seem interested after all the hype and trash talking about whoopin' his ass during TUF 7.
If anyone out there that hasn't seen this fight would like to see it. You can find it here.
There is one other thing about this fight that could've altered the decision. In the first round after he was knocked down, Forrest grabbed the cage and pulled himself to a better position in an attempt to get off his back. Right there the referee could've taken a point away from Forrest which would've given that round to Rampage with the score being 10-8, and that would have altered the outcome as well. All in all, this was a good fight and there definitely needs to be a re-match. After the fight, Forrest said he'd want to do it again with Rampage and Rampage was gracious in defeat and vowed to never take time off again like he did after the Henderson fight.
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