'Changed' Rampage on Teixeira Bout: 'I Really Want This One

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has turned over a new leaf, and it all started in the practice room.

The former UFC light heavyweight champ has found renewed motivation as an underdog heading into his January 26 bout with hard-hitting contender Glover Teixeira.

In several heartfelt Twitter posts, Rampage talked about making improvements and a hope to finish out his UFC contract on a high note.

"7 JanQuinton Jackson" @Rampage4real

People will always do more for what they want to do,than what they have to do....I really want this next one!

 

6 JanQuinton Jackson" @Rampage4real

 While impossible to change overnight, we all can improve 1% a day. 4 months later it looks like you changed overnight!

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Unfortunately, it'll take more than a few motivational posts on Twitter to convince the masses Rampage is truly focused and prepared for an opponent like Teixeira, who is on a 17-fight win streak.

Rampage's back is against the wall, and quite frankly, it isn't looking good for the future Hall of Famer. He is coming off back-to-back losses to Jon Jones and Ryan Bader. The loss to Bader at UFC 144 stings especially for Rampage. He came into the fight a huge favorite against an end-of-the-line contender. The bout was even held at his old stomping grounds in Saitama, Japan.

Instead of a focused and motivated Rampage, fans witnessed a shell of a former world champion miss weight and gas in the first round. There was talk of a pre-fight injury, but at the end of the day, people only care about results.

It's tough picking Rampage, who is coming off one of the worst performances of his career, against the red-hot Teixeira.

Even so, fans should be mindful of the fact that styles make fights. Rampage matches up incredibly well with Teixeira, who tends to push forward and get into wild pocket exchanges.

Despite taking a thrashing at UFC 153, Fabio Maldonado nearly put Teixeira's lights out with a pair of well-placed counter hooks. Rampage is known for his devastating hooks and otherworldly knockout power. He also has the chin to absorb massive amounts of punishment.

A quick glance at Rampage's Twitter account could also give fans hope for a vintage performance at UFC on Fox 6.

Rampage appears to finally be at peace with himself, and the typical trash talk and raunchy humor has been replaced with a more positive mindset.

The bout with Teixeira could be the final time fans ever see Rampage step foot in the Octagon. It's the last fight on his UFC contract, and negotiations have stalled in talks of an extension.

Will Teixeira continue his climb to the top of the light heavyweight division, or does Rampage have a few tricks up his sleeve in his possible finale?

"5 JanQuinton Jackson" @Rampage4real

Once your mind is where it needs to be, all things are a lot easier. Getting your body right starts with getting your thoughts right.

4 JanQuinton Jackson‏@Rampage4real

We all have practices in life.How you practice is how you will fight.Push yourself in practice you'll win more. Same goes 4 life.

 

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