UFC 71: Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

Dana White has put together an explosive main event at UFC 71, matching the current UFC Lightweight Champion Chuck “Iceman” Liddell against the last man to beat him in MMA, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Let me take a minute to inform those readers who are just UFC fans, and only know “Rampage” from UFC 67-All or Nothing, during which he destroyed his opponent, the ninja turtle looking Marvin Eastman. Jackson spent the majority of his career fighting for Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships organization, losing his first fight but winning the next nine. Following this tear, he lost in the Middleweight tournament final match against Brazil's Wanderlei Silva by knockout. Of those nine fights he won, the most notable is a TKO victory over current UFC Champion Chuck Liddell in the semi finals of that same Middleweight tournament.

This is the second time these two fighters will meet, however the first time in the octagon and under UFC rules. Liddell has gotten revenge against each opponent he has lost to in the past by defeating Randy Couture and Jeremy Horn. Will Jackson be the next victim to be iced? No! He will not be iced, because Jackson’s defense against Liddell’s offense in the 2003 Middleweight tournament was exceptional. Jackson dominated Liddell on his feet, Liddell was out of it and could not contain Jackson after bombing Jackson with his deadly rights and lefts. Rampage Jackson defended all of his shots and fired back, eventually taking Liddell down in the second round, finishing him off with ground and pound. I was shocked when I saw the fight two years ago after watching Liddell beat Randy Couture in UFC. I could not believe that Liddell lost like that, but it is over four years later and Liddell will be harder to defeat.

Liddell is on a high right now, and is considered by many as the top Lightweight fighter in the world. He destroyed Randy Couture (the current Heavyweight Champion) twice with great takedown defense and fast hands. Liddell defeated Tito Ortiz twice with the same routine, even though Ortiz improved after the first fight. Renato Sobral never stood a chance in either fight, and Liddell avenged his lost to Horn with a great stand up display. Now Liddell will have to conserve his energy and pick his shots to defeat Jackson, which will probably result in a primarily stand up fight. Liddell should start fast and test Jackson’s chin just as “Shogun” did in his own victory over Jackson. Jackson must use his defense and fire back when there is an opening and press the action. This will be a great fight!

Donald "Diddy Kong" Davenport writing for The Irish Whip