Time to preview UFC 135
Music to listen to: Obelisk by The Mars Volta
I know this is usually the spot to play some music from The Memorials but I came across this gem today while searching for some Mars Volta music. This may be their best song ever, which is saying a lot if you’re a long time fan like me.
Jon “Bones” Jones vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson: I was just talking with my friend and fellow MMA follower Andrew today and I stated that if this was the Rampage that fought Chuck Liddell I would take him in the upset.
However, since that victory in UFC 71 to earn the light heavyweight title, Rampage’s only impressive victory was over Dan Henderson in his next bout at UFC 75.
That was in September 2007.
Since then, Rampage has been inconsistent in effort and outside of his first round knockout of Wanderlei Silva in December 2008, six of his last seven fights have gone to decision, something that isn’t a good thing for someone who has the fighting style of Rampage. Whether its age, injuries, focusing on acting, etc. we’re not seeing the same Rampage that first entered the UFC. He does have one skill set, boxing, that makes him a potential winner in any fight, even against Jones.
We’ve all seen what Jones brings to the table and honestly, he does each skill better than Rampage.
I think you’ll see Jones use his reach advantage to slowly pick apart Rampage, especially with jabs and leg kicks. Rampage will get one good shot in during the first round but it won’t be enough to knock out Jones. This will frustrate Rampage in a bad way and tire him out.
Prediction: Jones by TKO third round
Josh Koscheck vs. Matt Hughes: This is Koscheck’s fight to lose and he can take the action in any direction he wants. Hughes just hasn’t evolved his fighting style to create fear in his opponents anymore.
Prediction: Koscheck by TKO second round
Travis Browne vs. Rob Broughton: This is the fight to take a bathroom break or check on the kids, meaning it has minimal interest among fans and shouldn’t last long.
Prediction: Browne by TKO second round
Nate Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi: This is an exciting fight and should get Diaz back on the road to fighting for a championship. I like that he’s returned to the 155, where his ground skills are even stronger in that weight class. Gomi is a gamer, will push the action and try to slug out a victory. However, this won’t be enough to earn the victory.
Prediction: Diaz by submission second round
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
The Sports Inquirer 
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