UFC 114 - Talkin' Trash

Rampage Vs. Evans / GuerrillaFight  -posted 5.26.2010

You want trash talk? You want a grudge match? You want two former champions with a vehement dislike for each other squaring off? "Where's your belt?" exclaims Quinton Rampage Jackson as he stares down Sugar Rashad Evans. Don't sit down for this one!

Evans is a steady, consistent, and well-trained Spartan wrestler with poise and balance.

Jackson is a menacing backyard brawler with an attitude and a chain around his neck.

The Vegas line is deadlocked at -115 on each fighter which is a testament to how evenly matched these two warriors are. Let's examine the ways to win chart that I rely on to select a victor.

Sugar will attempt to out-hustle, control, and wear his opponent down with his relentless takedowns and impressive cardio while keeping Jackson off balance—mixing in an array of improved striking skills as well. An Evans unanimous decision is a distinct possibility should he execute the carefully constructed game plan.

Jackson has put himself through a brutal training camp motivating himself with that "hate factor" he ignited as the former Ultimate Fighter coaches traded tirades. He is hungry, rested, and in shape which is a dangerous combination as he can elevate his game when mentally focused. Rampage has superior power in his striking, improved grappling, and an iron chin. He wants to draw Rashad into a war and away from a chess match.

This is a difficult battle to predict as the line suggests, but a well prepared Quinton is simply more physically gifted than a steady Evans, and the contempt he seethes is the intangible factor here. I'm picking the fighter sporting that chain around his neck howling at the cage to slam Evans and win a TKO in rd. 3! RAMPAGE to rematch Shogun.

J.Seijas - GuerrillaFight.com