Rampage Jackson has been a huge personality in mixed martial arts for almost a decade and proved something last night in his loss.
No it wasn’t his greatest performance and he failed at his goal of taking his belt back, but Rampage showed that his time as a top level fighter has not passed.
Rampage kept the fight competitive and showed that he has improved his game, specifically his wrestling. He was able to stuff the initial shots by Jon Jones and even got a few good leg kicks and shots in.
This addition to his repertoire – usually confined to power punching – is a breathe of fresh air. If he keeps evolving, even if only at a steady pace, then Rampage will be able to stay at the elite level for a longer period of time.
Although it’s a loss on his record, Rampage still has so many memorable moments and amazing fights on his record that this does not tarnish his legacy, and if anything adds to it.
His wins over Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, and Wanderlei Silva remain legendary bouts that will serve as further proof as to why he is considered one of the best in the game.
No body gave Rampage a shot at beating Jones and he lasted longer than any other opponent to face him. Sure he came short, but Rampage was able stay in it and remained a threat throughout the bout.
After training so hard and coming up with a loss, this defeat should serve as a fire under Rampage and may be the turning point for him in the waning years of his career.