Author: Garrett Derr

UFC 135 Results: Is Rampage Jackson Still an Elite Light Heavyweight?

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson entered UFC 135 looking to retain his UFC Light Heavyweight championship against current champion Jon “Bones” Jones.Prior to UFC 135, Jackson had won his first three UFC fights, including knockouts victories over Marvin Eastma…

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson entered UFC 135 looking to retain his UFC Light Heavyweight championship against current champion Jon “Bones” Jones.

Prior to UFC 135, Jackson had won his first three UFC fights, including knockouts victories over Marvin Eastman and Chuck Liddell, to be declared the light heavyweight champion.

He went on to defend his title in a unanimous decision against Dan Henderson at UFC 75.

Jackson appeared to be at the peak of his career and showed no signs of slowing down before meeting Forrest Griffin at UFC 86.

In what would end up being the Fight of the Night and the Fight of the Year, Jackson lost to Griffin in a grueling five-round unanimous decision.

Jackson bounced back in his next two bouts defeating Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine at UFC 92 and 96.

It appeared that Jackson’s career was back on the rise, as he was set to meet Rashad Evans in one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the year at UFC 114.

Jackson loss via unanimous decision as his sub-par streak continued.

He eventually went on to win his next two bouts but failed to finish both fights. Jackson defeated Lyoto Machida by split decision and Matt Hamill by unanimous decision.

It was time for Jackson to retain his title as action began at UFC 135. Jones dominated the bout early, as Jackson couldn’t defend against Jones’ lengthiness and quickness.

Jackson showed heart as he battled to the fourth round, where Jones ended his night for good by way of rear naked choke just 1:14 into the round.

Jackson has now lost three of his last seven fights.

Not bad for your average fight, but Jackson isn’t classified as your average fighter.

Instead, he’s been labeled as a legitimate light heavyweight contender since entering the UFC in 2007.

While Jackson is most recognized for his knockout abilities, he hasn’t knocked an opponent out since December of 2008.

Even then, it was against Wanderlei Silva, who was on the decline of his career.

While Jackson still remains a level above the majority of the light heavyweight fighters, he is no longer an elite light heavyweight fighter.

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UFC 135 Results: Has Father Time Caught up with Matt Hughes?

Matt Hughes began his mixed martial arts career nearly 14 years ago when he defeated Erick Snyder via submission slam at JKD Challenge 2.Hughes then went on to win his next three bouts before losing the first fight of his MMA career to Dennis Hallman b…

Matt Hughes began his mixed martial arts career nearly 14 years ago when he defeated Erick Snyder via submission slam at JKD Challenge 2.

Hughes then went on to win his next three bouts before losing the first fight of his MMA career to Dennis Hallman by way of Guillotine Choke at 17 seconds in the first round.

After his loss, Hughes rattled off a career-high 18 straight victories.

Once again, Hughes met Hallman at UFC 129 where he again lost by submission in the first round of action.

Hughes then lost his next bout to Jose Landi-Jons before establishing himself as one of the best Welterweight fighters of all time.

He won seven consecutive fights before arriving to UFC 34 where he was declared the UFC Welterweight champion for the first time in his career.

Hughes went on to defend his title five consecutive times before losing to B.J. Penn.

At this point, Hughes was at the top of the Welterweight division and arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.

As time progressed, Hughes grew older but still proved he was at the top of his game, defeating notable opponents such as George St-Pierre, Frank Trigg and Royce Gracie.

Hughes then revenged his loss to Penn, defeating him via technical knockout at UFC 63.

Hughes would go on to lose three of his next four fights as his career quickly took a turn for the worse.

 

Instead of hanging it up, Hughes continued in the sport he loves but lacked the skills he once had.

In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 123, Hughes was knocked out by Penn in just 21 seconds of the first round.

Then, Hughes was set to square off with Diego Sanchez at UFC 135 before Sanchez was pulled from the card due to injury.

His replacement, Josh Koscheck stepped in as the two squared in front of a soldout Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

Koscheck knocked Hughes out at 4:59 of the first round, putting Hughes’ career in jeopardy.

Even prior to the fight, there was speculation that UFC 135 may have been Hughes’ last go-around.

Hughes even went as far as to sell his team and gym due to time conflicts with the amount of time he spent with his family.

Not only is Hughes a fighter, but a husband and a father to his three children.

At the age of 37, it is very unlikely Hughes will ever build up a chance for another Welterweight title shot.

Losing five of his last nine fights, it’s time Hughes hangs up the gloves for good.

Hughes, arguably the greatest Welterweight of all time has the most UFC victories in the history of the sport with 18.

While he is undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters to have ever entered the Octagon, Hughes’ career has caught up with him.

It is now time for Matt Hughes to end his historical run.

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Steven Seagal and the 10 Weirdest Personalities Affiliated with MMA

Mixed Martial Arts has become one of the most popular sports on the face of the earth.Much of the sports rapid growth can be credited to its world class athletes and the hard work, dedication and heart they display day in and day out.And, while there a…

Mixed Martial Arts has become one of the most popular sports on the face of the earth.

Much of the sports rapid growth can be credited to its world class athletes and the hard work, dedication and heart they display day in and day out.

And, while there are thousand upon thousands of fighters across the globe, there are many individuals affiliated with the sport as well.

Most individuals who are affiliated with the sport are your normal “Joe.” But, there are a few who stand out among the rest. A few have caught the eyes of many fans due to their weird personalities and the change of pace they bring to the sport.

The following list displays the 10 weirdest personalities affiliated with MMA today.

Let’s take a look.

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25 WWE Superstars Who Could Have Made It in the UFC

The UFC is unarguably the center stage for all fighters across the globe. It has grown to be one of the most popular sports of all time and shows no signs of slowing down.And while the UFC continues to produce the world’s greatest fighters, many fans a…

The UFC is unarguably the center stage for all fighters across the globe. It has grown to be one of the most popular sports of all time and shows no signs of slowing down.

And while the UFC continues to produce the world’s greatest fighters, many fans ask what about the WWE?

World Wrestling Entertainment was founded in 1952 and now broadcasts to over 145 countries in 30 different languages.

While the UFC produces the greatest fighters in the world, the WWE has its fair share as well.

As we’ve seen with former UFC Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, many WWE Superstars could make the transition.

With the proper training, these stars could have had successful careers in the UFC.

The following slides display 25 WWE Superstars who could of had success inside the UFC Octagon.

Let’s take a look.

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UFC 136: Will Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard Deliver the Excitement Again?

Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard will square off at UFC 136 in what is already one of the most anticipated bouts of 2011.This won’t be the first time these two fighters met. Not even the second. UFC 136 will be the third time Edgar and Maynard will meet….

Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard will square off at UFC 136 in what is already one of the most anticipated bouts of 2011.

This won’t be the first time these two fighters met. Not even the second. UFC 136 will be the third time Edgar and Maynard will meet.

The first time these two mixed martial artists met was at a UFC Fight Night in April of 2008. Less talked about then, Maynard left Broomfield, Colorado victorious, giving Edgar the first defeat of his career.

Since then, Edgar has gone on to defeat UFC veteran B.J. Penn to be declared the UFC lightweight champion. Maynard went on to defeat notable opponents in Roger Huerta, Nate Diaz and Kenny Florian.

After both fighters went on unbeaten streaks, they crossed paths and met again at UFC 125 in what would end up being one of the greatest bouts in UFC history.

In a five-round battle, Maynard dominated action early, rocking the lightweight champion in the very first round.

All but down and out, Edgar battled back to win the second round, making it known to all why he was champion of the 155 weight class.

The tides turned when Maynard took advantage of the third round as it appeared he was well on his way to being declared the new champion of the lightweight division.

Edgar had other plans when he locked in a guillotine choke that nearly put Maynard to sleep. Maynard somehow broke loose from the submission and both fighters headed to the fifth and final round.

Both fighters were drained, but that didn’t stop them from swinging away at one another. After a few failed takedowns, the final bell rang as the results where now in the hands of the judges.

The judge’s scorecards read 48-46, 46-48 and 47-47, declaring the bout a draw.

An immediate rematch was put into place as both fighters will meet at UFC 136 in an epic grudge match.

The only question that remains is, can Edgar and Maynard deliver the excitement again?

Absolutely.

Edgar knows his days of being a UFC champion may be numbered and will be in the best shape of his life. The same came be said for Maynard, who appears much larger than the champion.

They key to this grudge match is who can set the tone. Maynard, who let Edgar battled back to a draw, won’t make the same mistake twice.

While this fight is unpredictable, expect similar excitement as when these two last met at UFC 125.

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UFC: Could Floyd Mayweather Make It Inside the Octagon?

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is arguably the greatest boxer to have ever stepped foot inside the ring.Mayweather, who hadn’t fought in over a year, recently squared off with the WBC World Welterweight champion, Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in La…

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is arguably the greatest boxer to have ever stepped foot inside the ring.

Mayweather, who hadn’t fought in over a year, recently squared off with the WBC World Welterweight champion, Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As expected, Mayweather knocked out Ortiz at just 2:59 in the 4th round of action. To date, Mayweather has never lost a fight, posting an unbelievable and perfect record of 42-0.

Of his 42 career victories, 26 have come by way of knockout and 16 by decision.

Mayweather has won 10 world titles, two fighter of the year awards and was declared the boxing world’s greatest pound for pound fighter.

He’s won the world championship in five different weight classes and proves time and time again that he is virtually unstoppable.

Because of Mayweather’s world class achievements, many have begun to question a career in Ultimate Fighting.

Mayweather, who’s been quick to bash the UFC has never even stepped foot inside the Octagon.

If Mayweather were to pursue a career in mixed martial arts he would currently fall in the Featherweight division of 145-pounders.

While “Money” Mayweather would certainly have the advantage in striking and stand up game, he would be far too inexperienced in every other aspect of the sport.

Sure, Mayweather could win a few bouts against the UFC’s lesser opponents. But if the fight were taken to the ground, Mayweather would essentially have no skills in defending himself.

Any experienced fighter would look to take Mayweather to the ground only to ground and pound their way to victory. Mayweather also has no experience in submissions or submission defense.

While Mayweather may escape with a few victories in the UFC, he would certainly never be an elite fighter.

Being a champion inside the Octagon requires much more than exceptional boxing skills. It requires an expertise in all phases of the sport. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. could never be an elite fighter in the UFC.

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