Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has made it no secret that he plans on leaving the UFC once he fulfills the final bout on his contract. He’s felt that the UFC hasn’t supported him and that it is matching him up against boring fighters.
He’s even gone as far as to publicly state that the UFC is utilizing him completely wrong and that he should be matched up with strikers. He believes that he’s the type of fighter that should receive favorable matchups because he’s so marketable and exciting.
The UFC attempted to grant Jackson his wish by scheduling him to face Glover Teixeira at UFC 153 in Rio last month, but he was forced to pull out due to injury. Teixeira went on to completely brutalize Fabio Maldonado over two rounds instead.
In the post-fight interview, Glover pleaded for the Jackson fight. It’s a fight that he needs in order to truly make the next step in his UFC career.
Well, apparently the UFC has decided to put Jackson and Teixiera in the cage against one another at UFC on Fox 6 in January.
Outside the cage I hate no one. Life is too short for that. In side the cage my Job is to destroy! Glover is done on Jan 26 n Chicago..
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) November 7, 2012
As far as matchmaking goes, this is a no-brainer. It’s a very even bout between two heavy-handed strikers.
Glover has a slight advantage in punching power, but Jackson is the more technical boxer. There is quite a big gap on the ground, as Jackson has all but given up on his wrestling while Glover remains one of the best grapplers on the planet.
If this is truly the final bout of Rampage’s UFC career, it’s a dangerous way to go out. All parties have a lot on the line. The UFC is building Teixeira as a monster light heavyweight who strikes fear in the hearts of his colleagues, so a loss would all but stop that marketing build.
On the flip side, Rampage can’t really afford to walk away from the UFC on a loss. He’s currently on a two-fight losing streak and another loss would kill his marketability outside of the Octagon. He needs to leave with a W if he hopes to optimize his earning potential.
My early prediction is that Glover walks away with the win. He’s the more complete fighter and just seems to care more at this point. Rampage has been talking about everything from a hip hop career to boxing. He just doesn’t have his mind on MMA anymore.
With this latest fight announcement, the next Fox event is shaping up to be a must-watch card.
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