UFC 135 is Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s chance to reclaim the belt he once had, the one currently owned by Jon Jones.
The main event will feature Rampage and Jones squaring off in one of the biggest light-heavyweight fights of all time, with the title on the line.
Jones has an impressive MMA record 13-1 (7-1 UFC) and has been called by some as unbeatable. There is no question, however, that he will need to fight his best against Rampage, whose 32-8 (13-2 UFC) MMA record shows he is quite experienced.
This bout is Jones’ first title defense—a new experience for him—and it’s something Rampage has gone through before. Rampage’s title defense failed when he lost the belt three years ago, and he might not get many more opportunities after this fight.
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
When: Saturday, September 24 at 9 p.m. EDT.
Watch: Facebook. UFC 135 preliminary bouts are live on the UFC Facebook page at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Watch preliminary fights on Spike TV at 8:00 p.m. EST. The Main Card fights are 9:00 p.m. EDT on pay-per view, with live streaming for $44.99 at UFC.TV, Yahoo! Sports, UStream, Android or iPhone.
Fight Card
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship: Jon Jones (champ) vs. Rampage Jackson
Heavyweight Bout: Travis Browne vs. Rob Broughton
Heavyweight Bout: Ben Rothwell vs. Mark Hunt
Light Heavyweight Bout: James Te Huna vs. Ricardo Romero
Middleweight Bout: Nick Ring vs. Tim Boetsch
Welterweight Bout: Josh Koscheck vs. Matt Hughes
Lightweight Bout: Nate Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi
Lightweight Bout: Tony Gerguson vs. Aaron Riley
Featherweight Bout: Eddie Yagin vs. Junior Assuncao
Featherweight Bout: Takeya Mizugaki vs. Cole Escovedo
Bantamweight Bout: Norifumi ‘KID’ Yamamoto vs. Damacio Page
Jon Jones’ Keys to Victory
Jones must use his height, reach and speed advantages to defeat Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. If the bout is fought on the ground, Jones must execute his submissions, especially if he’s able to end the fight early.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s Keys to Victory
Jackson has great hands and has power and strength. All of these will be very important to countering the speed of Jones.
Rampage also must pressure Jones early and make him feel uncomfortable in his title defense.
What They’re Saying
Jon Jones explained to the Vancouver Sun the role of trash talk leading up to a fight.
“It definitely makes me fight better. The only reason it makes me fight better is because it makes me prepare better. I realize every quote I make, I’ve got to back it up. That’s why I try to not insult my opponent and say things that I only think will be true.”
Main Card Fight to Watch That’s Not the Main Event
Travis Browne vs. Rob Broughton
Travis Browne has an 11-0-1 record in MMA and stands 6’7″ tall. He’s going up against Rob Broughton, who is one of the strongest fighters Browne will ever face. Both me have a lot to prove, which will make this an intense fight.
Preliminary Fight to Watch
Nick Ring vs. Tim Boetsch
Nick Ring brings an undefeated record into an exciting matchup against Tim Boetsch, who is now 20 pounds lighter and fighting in the middleweight division.
It will be fun to see if Boetsch can make speed more a part of his repertoire or if he has to rely on raw power and strength to give Ring his first loss.
Main Event Prediction: Jon Jones Defends title in Unanimous decision
Jon Jones’ youth, height and speed advantages will be too tough for Rampage Jackson to cope with, and Jones will successfully defend his belt.
Jones must not underestimate Jackson, however, because he is an experienced fighter who has the strength and determination to win any match.
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