UFC 144 Predictions: What a Loss Would Mean to Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has nothing to gain and everything to lose in his fight against Ryan Bader tonight at UFC 144.

Jackson simply can't lose this fight. He lobbied to have this fight in Japan, and now that he's fighting in front of his loyal fan-base, a loss to Bader would be a huge impact.

Let's face it, Jackson isn't getting any younger, and if he wants another shot at UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, he's going to have to get a winning streak in gear right now.

As far as this being a blow to his legacy, I don't view this fight like that. Jackson has done enough in his career to be considered a legend in the sport and nothing will take away from his championships and highlight-reel knockouts.

But I firmly believe a loss to Bader would be the beginning of the end for Jackson's MMA career. If he loses to Bader, chances are he will never get another title shot, and after fighting one wrestler after another, Jackson's frustrations are on a steady incline.

Not to mention everything that's been happening leading up to this fight. Jackson missed weight by six pounds at the weigh-in yesterday, and in his post weigh-in interview with Ariel Helwani, he revealed that he's been battling an injury during his training camp, which led to him not making weight.

If Jackson is hurt and refused to pull out because he wants to fight in front of the Japanese crowd, that could be an opening for Bader in this fight. Bader already feels disrespected and counted out, which is fueling him for this fight.

We've never seen a fired up Bader in the Octagon, and you can bet that he's going to be ready for a war tonight. With everything that has happened leading up to this fight, one has to question Jackson's motivation for this fight as well.

I believe he wants to go out there and put on a great show for all of his fans in Japan, but you know he's getting tired of fighting all of these wrestlers. So if he loses, you have to know that the criticisms will all be about his lack of motivation.

The speculations will begin about whether Jackson actually cared or not, and that's not going to be fun for anybody, including Bader.

To avoid this, Jackson must give 100 percent and look for the knockout against Bader tonight. Just like a wounded samurai, I expect Jackson to go out like a warrior tonight, and if he doesn't, then he will endure countless criticisms from the MMA community.