UFC 144: Rampage Jackson's 3 Keys to Victory vs. Ryan Bader

If Quinton "Rampage" Jackson focuses on a few keys, he can cruise to any victory over Ryan Bader. 

The two will meet in UFC 144 Saturday and Rampage's future in the sport could be on the line. At 33, time is not on his side. If he wants to make a run at taking the light heavyweight belt from Jon Jones, he can't afford any losses. 

As long as he stays focused, he won't lose here. 

Cut off Bader's Angles 

Jackson likes to come straight at his opponents. He will be able to do that here, but to combat that, Bader is going to keep moving and try to get the angle on Jackson. 

This will set him up to land some big blows and that is one of his strengths. Bader has a powerful punch. 

Jackson can't leave himself vulnerable to those punches. To do that, he needs to remain aware that this is what Bader is going to try and do and move laterally with him. This isn't going to take big movements, just enough to cut off the angles. 

Focus on Take Downs

Bader cannot hang with Rampage if this fight goes exclusively to the mat. Rampage is a superior wrestler. 

Rampage has a solid takedown game. Bader is not weak on defense, but he is not up to par with Rampage's takedowns. 

Quinton must be determined to get Bader to the mat. Even if his first few attempts are detoured, he can't stop attempting them. 

Sooner or later, he will be able to get inside and take control of this match.  

Go All Out Early

Rampage doesn't want a feeling out period or a slow start. The sooner he can get this fight over, the better. 

He is the older fighter here, and he certainly doesn't want this to turn into a war of stamina. He needs to control the flow from the opening second, and not let go of that until the fight is over.