UFC 114 Preview: Rampage Jackson vs. Rashad Evans

UFC 114 Main Event: Rampage Jackson (30-7) vs. Rashad Evans (14-1-1)
Odds: Jackson (-130), Evans (even)
Fun Fact: Rashad Evans has a degree in psychology from MSU

Zak Woods: UFC 114 is really just about Rampage and Rashad.

Yeah, it will be fun watching Diego steamroll some guy in his move back to 170lbs. and it will be frustrating when Michael Bisping edges out a split decision over Dan Miller and proclaims himself ready for a title shot. I almost forgot Duffman being too grumpy to be called Duffman.

No, UFC 114 is all about Rampage and Rashad.

From a marketing stand point this "grudge match" (we really need a new phrase to describe people who don't like each other, suggestions welcomed) fits perfectly into the UFC schedule. The Fan Expo, the new videogame, Memorial Day it all mixes together for what should be a big pay-per view.

From a technical perspective questions surround both fighters. Rashad Evans had a pretty horrible round three against Thiago Silva that had many people instantly picking Rampage. But then folks remembered that Rampage had a pretty middle-of-the-road showing against Keith Jardine over a year ago and hasn't fought since. Then there is the whole smoking in Australia thing.

That opens up a lot of room for prognostication, which makes MMA so much fun.

Nick Becker: You're right, Zak. There are some fun fights that I'm looking forward to at UFC 114, but I definitely view this as a one-fight card. Good thing then, that it should be a helluva fight.

I have to admit that while I rarely ever bet on fights, I had to plunk down some cash on Rampage as I see him winning this one rather easily. Yes, I know that Rampage has had a loooong layoff. Yes, I know that Rampage didn't look particularly impressive against Keith Jardine. And yes, I know that Rashad eats, sleeps, and breathes MMA around the clock.

But here's what else I know: Rampage has astounding KO power and Rashad got absolutely rocked by his last two opponents -- neither of which packs close to the amount of dynamite in their hands that Rampage does. 
The troubles that Jackson has faced in his last few fights came against guys (Griffin, Jardine) who liberally utilized the leg kick, while Rashad has never shown much interest in attacking the legs of his opponent. Unless that changes (which I suspect it might), this will be a short night for him. I'm sure that the crew at Greg Jackson's camp have a great game plan cooked up, but as the old saying goes: "Everyone has a game plan until they get hit in the face." And hit in the face, Rashad will be (That's my best Yoda right there).

Zach Krantz: The year long layoff and Zak's favorite camp are the reasons I am nervous about Rampage. I kind of feel both fighters are overrated to be honest, but it when it comes to Saturday night I think we will see an upset (upset in my mind). I know Rashad is favored with the bookmakers, but I think Rampage is the more dangerous fighter. However, I think with his layoff, Rashad's re-commitment to wrestling, and Greg Jackson's camp Rampage is going down. I think Rampage is also more personally affected with the talk than Rashad. Evans will be in a better state of mind going into the fight.

That being said, Rampage can easily end in this in under 30 seconds. Then nick will talk non stop shit all the time, I see it happening already. jeez Nick, lay off, we get it, you got this right, seriously what is your problem.

Clearly I am having some displaced aggression right now (nothing personal Nick).

Nick Becker: Oh yes, how I can't wait to prove you wrong Krantz! I've got the same concerns that everyone does regarding Rampage but I just cannot picture him losing.

You'd have to be crazy to predict that Rashad could win any other way than by decision, so during the course of 15 minutes, you know Rampage will touch Rashad's chin at least a couple times. That said, Rampage has too much power not to stun him if/when he connects and from there I think he'll finish.

The other thing to keep in mind is that Rampage knows that he'll be doing a ton of press for the A-Team in the next few weeks and that's his extra bit of motivation to win. Do you really think he'll want to go on Extra and talk to that douche Mario Lopez about his movie and have to answer questions about how he lost his last fight? I don't think so.

Oh and Zach, sorry to tell you buddy but your HAWKS got swept by the Magic last round, so give it up already...

Zach Krantz: I do not know what i find more insulting, that you are unaware of the Blackhaws eventual Stanley Cup victory or that you think im an Atlanta Hawks fan...

David St. Martin: Basketball talk? Please, no more. I've been hearing enough of it lately.  I've loved Rampage since the days of KOTC, but I have to go with Rashad on this one. I hope I'm wrong.  Something that really bothers me about Rampage is his camp.  When Bisping is your best training partner(Tiki?), it's time to start googling gyms. Although Rampage did look pretty cool screaming at frumpy Englishmen, I'll take wrestling with Shane Carwin any day. Better corner? Hmm Master Yoda or that English guy? All I know about him is that he's never called Rampage the N word, or Rampage. Genius.

P.S. I'm pulling for the Blackhawks, man. I hate Philly worse than Christmas.

Zak Woods: Are we all jumping on the Rashad bandwagon faster than Zach has jumped on the Blackhawks bandwagon (is it too late to jump on the Suns bandwagon?).

I like Rashad and I think he gets an unfair wrap and has really improved as a fighter but Rampage's KO power puts the fear of god in me.

Still, I can't help but feel that we are missing something in our analysis.

David St. Martin: I'm jumping OFF the Suns bandwagon. BOOYAH

Tape Watching: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

Rashad Evans vs. Jamie Jara