Author: Brian Lopez-Benchimol

UFC 144: Quinton Jackson vs. Ryan Bader Breakdown

UFC 144 comes to a head this weekend as Frankie Edgar defends his title against surging lightweight Bensen Henderson.While the two men are helping to usher in the return of the Octagon in Japan, the real star of the show is Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.Ra…

UFC 144 comes to a head this weekend as Frankie Edgar defends his title against surging lightweight Bensen Henderson.

While the two men are helping to usher in the return of the Octagon in Japan, the real star of the show is Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Rampage, a long time veteran of the now-defunct Pride organization, cultivated a huge fan following in the Land of the Rising Sun with his battles against Kazushi Sakuraba, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva and, of course, the infamous slam heard round world against Ricardo Arona.

Now, the Memphis native will square off against Season 8 winner of The Ultimate Fighter Ryan Bader, who snapped a two-fight skid with a emphatic knockout of the always-tough Jason Brilz.

Against these two heavy-hitters, who will come out on top and move back into the upper echelon of the light heavyweight division?

 

Scott Petersen of MMAWeekly.com contributed to this article.

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Bas Rutten and the 10 Most Successful Ex-Fighters in MMA

For a professional fighter, mixed martial arts encompasses your entire life.Between training camps, the down time in between bouts and fight day, the most talented professional will totally immerse themselves into the sport.The most successful among th…

For a professional fighter, mixed martial arts encompasses your entire life.

Between training camps, the down time in between bouts and fight day, the most talented professional will totally immerse themselves into the sport.

The most successful among these fighters have endeared themselves to the masses, so much so that guys like the legendary Bas Rutten—a colorful and enigmatic star in MMA—have achieved even more success, long after their fighting careers have subsided. 

 

Photo Credit: Bas Rutten/Scott Petersen for MMAWeekly.com

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UFC on FOX 3: Pat Barry vs. Lavar Johnson Breakdown

UFC on FOX 3 is headlined by a lightweight collision pitting contenders Nate Diaz and Jim Miller in the main event of the evening.However, a heavyweight clash of lethal strikers is primed and ready to steal the show.The UFC’s Pat Barry will look to der…

UFC on FOX 3 is headlined by a lightweight collision pitting contenders Nate Diaz and Jim Miller in the main event of the evening.

However, a heavyweight clash of lethal strikers is primed and ready to steal the show.

The UFC’s Pat Barry will look to derail Strikeforce transplant Lavar Johnson in a battle that pits two of the division’s most dangerous strikers opposite of one another.

Both men come from varying disciplines, though more often than not, both can produce dynamic knockouts to captivate the interests of the fans and media alike. 

 

Pat Barry/ Laron Zaugg for MMAWeekly.com

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UFC 146: Junior Dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem Breakdown

One of the most highly anticipated heavyweight clashes of all time will come to a head this summer as UFC champion Junior dos Santos defends his title against the touted Alistair Overeem.Recently, the Dutchman stormed through former UFC titleholder Bro…

One of the most highly anticipated heavyweight clashes of all time will come to a head this summer as UFC champion Junior dos Santos defends his title against the touted Alistair Overeem.

Recently, the Dutchman stormed through former UFC titleholder Brock Lesnar, sending the behemoth into retirement with a first round TKO.

With the victory, Overeem became the immediate No. 1 contender to Dos Santos’ belt, as the Brazilian looks to defend his mantle against arguably his toughest test to date.

 

Junior dos Santos/ Erik Fontanez for MMAWeekly.com

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Fedor Emelianenko: 8 Possible Opponents for His Next Fight

For a long time, Fedor Emelianenko was coveted as the sport’s premier heavyweight, and rightfully so.The stoic Russian had an air of invincibility surrounding him, after having gone undefeated for nearly a decade—an unprecedented run in his or an…

For a long time, Fedor Emelianenko was coveted as the sport’s premier heavyweight, and rightfully so.

The stoic Russian had an air of invincibility surrounding him, after having gone undefeated for nearly a decade—an unprecedented run in his or any other era.

After the former Pride champion had succumbed to a career-worst three fight-skid, Emelianenko came storming back with consecutive victories over former UFC title challenger Jeff Monson and Olympian Satoshi Ishii—knocking out the judoka inside of the first round.

Emelianenko has made every intention to get back into his “Last Emperor” form, and in doing so, the former heavyweight kingpin will look to regain what was once his. Here are some fighters who can help usher him back to prominence. 

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UFC 145: Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans Early Breakdown

Finally, Rashad Evans and Jon Jones have a date.Former teammates under the Greg Jackson banner, both Jones and Evans have become bitter rivals since a falling out early last year, when “Bones” deftly defeated then champion Mauricio “S…

Finally, Rashad Evans and Jon Jones have a date.

Former teammates under the Greg Jackson banner, both Jones and Evans have become bitter rivals since a falling out early last year, when “Bones” deftly defeated then champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in March, stepping in for the injured Evans.

Soon after the bout’s conclusion, Evans challenged Jones for his newly minted light heavyweight crown.

Since then, Evans has picked up two impressive victories over former champion Tito Ortiz and then budding contender Phil Davis, respectively. Asserting himself as the clear-cut No. 1 contender.

The 205-pound collision takes place this April, as the dynamic duo are set to headline UFC 145, which takes place at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Both men are very familiar with each other’s styles, though they remain drastically different fighters. Who will come out on top in this battle?

 

 Rashad Evans/ Dave Mandel for Sherdog.com

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