UFC 135 Preview: 7 Ways in Which Rampage Jackson Is Screwed vs. Jon Jones

The main event of UFC 135 is guaranteed to be entertaining, as Jon Jones makes his first defense as the light heavyweight champion.

His first opponent, the colorful Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, is looking to take that belt away and continue the trend of light heavyweight champions losing the belt on their first defense.

Jackson believes he is taking his belt back, but he is screwed in seven different ways.

Striking

Jon "Bones" Jones striking is impeccable.

Jones has dominated his opponents to the tune of 13 victories and one loss (a questionable DQ decision).

He strikes in every opening—with his legs and arms in locations most fighters don't even conceive of trying to hit.

He dismantled Mauricio Rua, striking at every opening "Shogun" provided.

If Jones could pick apart the unexpected moves of Rua, he should pick apart "Rampage" Jackson. 

Age

"Rampage" Jackson has Jon Jones in age by almost 10 years.

Jackson, 33, will be fighting in his 41st fight, while Jones, 24, will be competing in his 15th.

While the veteran would normally be picked over the young up-and-comer, Jackson is a stand-up fighter who will take punches and hand them out all the same.

A fighter like that, who has more than twice as many fights under his belt, can't be counted on.

Expect Jones to take full advantage of the difference in age on Saturday night.

Speed

The younger you are, the faster you are.

That might not be true in every case, but in the matter of Jones vs. Jackson, that is evident.

Jackson is a powerful bruiser, who can tear up your insides and put you on the mat.

Opposite of this is Jones, who's lightening quick hands and feet easily breaks down those tough "bruisers."

Don't be surprised if Jones beats Jackson the same way Forrest Griffin won his light heavyweight title, with powerful leg kicks wearing down the out-of-shape Jackson. 

Conditioning

Jones has a tall, slender build, which shows in his pure athleticism and 6'4" frame.

Jackson on the other hand, has a bigger frame to go along with his shorter 6'1" build.

Jackson has shown before that he cares more about his acting career than his impact in the Octagon, so it should be no surprise that the 33-year-old fighter out of Memphis, TN could possibly come into a title fight out of shape.

On the other hand, Jones is taking the title fight like he is the challenger, stating that he sees this as a "whole new title to claim."

Jones is expected to be in top shape as he enters Saturday night, while the same can't be said for Jackson.

Confidence

After losing his belt to Forrest Griffin, Jackson defeated both Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine. He went on to lose to Rashad Evans, before beating Lyoto Machida and Matt Hamill.

In five of his last six fights, the fight has ended by decision.

Again, Jones offers a completely different outlook.

"Bones" Jones has ended three of his last four fights with a first round knockout, with the only exception being a second round submission victory.

The champion should have all the confidence in the world about his ability to end the fight at any minute, while "Rampage" should be worried about trying to make it through Round one.

Chin

Over "Rampage" Jackson's professional fighting career, he has been defeated three times via knockout.

Jon Jones has been knocked out a total of zero times.

His chin hasn't been tested like Jackson surely will Saturday night, but Jones' ability to deflect strikes and avoid punches should give him ample opportunities to make his first title defense a successful one.

Technique

"Rampage" Jackson is a brawler. Honestly, he loves to throw hands and he loves to slam people to the mat.

Jon "Bones" Jones is a technical striker. He plans every punch, every kick and every move. He is precise. He takes into account every area he strikes, so he knows where to attack next. 

Jones technique is head and shoulders above Jackson's, which should allow quick work of the former light heavyweight champion.

Conclusion

Jon Jones will run through "Rampage" Jackson as the first successful title run in the light heavyweight division since Chuck Liddell's domination of the division.

If Jones does pull out the victory, a potential dream match of the future is Jones vs. Anderson Silva.

Thanks for reading and follow me on Twitter @RajPrashad.