Author: Matt Molgaard

UFC on FOX 6: Things You’re Guaranteed to See During Cerrone Versus Pettis

Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis will square off on Saturday night at UFC on FOX 6 in a featured lightweight bout. The two have been discussed as potential opponents for months, and a wealth of pre-fight trash talk has only served to fuel the fire beh…

Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis will square off on Saturday night at UFC on FOX 6 in a featured lightweight bout. The two have been discussed as potential opponents for months, and a wealth of pre-fight trash talk has only served to fuel the fire behind this intriguing collision.

Since both fighters are former mainstays of the WEC and current top-10 ranked lightweights. it’s a wonder these two didn’t meet earlier in their careers.Time however is irrelevant at this point. The past is water under the bridge, and the present is really all that matters for these two.

It’s time to fight.

Knowing the penchant of both men to stand and exchange violent strikes, it’s safe to make a couple guarantees regarding the bout: punches and kicks will be thrown.

But there’s a whole lot more to what we’re guaranteed to see come Saturday night.

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Will Rampage Really Part Ways with the UFC After UFC on Fox 6?

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has enjoyed a storied career loaded with peaks. He’s also endured his share of down-times. Over the course of a 13-plus year career, the man has worked his way up from Gladiator Challenge bully to Pride stand…

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has enjoyed a storied career loaded with peaks. He’s also endured his share of down-times. Over the course of a 13-plus year career, the man has worked his way up from Gladiator Challenge bully to Pride standout, to UFC light heavyweight champion.

Yes, the man has suffered a few (apparent) mild breakdowns, but through it all, Rampage has always shown up to fight his heart out, and that’s something fans have come to admire deeply.

Rampage may be a fickle man, a bit on the sensitive side, but he’s got a legion of fans standing behind him, and I’m sure they want – as much as Jackson himself does – to see Quinton exit the sport as he should: in top form, fighting for the top promotion in the world.

The relationship between Jackson and UFC president, Dana White has been strained for some time now, but that might not guarantee a parting of ways.

Dana is a businessman who has a sound grasp on what and who sells, and Jackson is a fighter of extreme pride with marquee value to his name. Friendly or not, it seems absurd that Rampage and Dana will simply head in opposite directions after Saturday night.

Jackson’s days as an elite competitor are fading, but we still tune in to hear the patented howl, always hoping for a dramatic slam, or a vicious hook to find its mark. Dana knows this.

If Rampage Jackson deflates Glover Teixeira’s balloon this weekend, he’ll immediately be tossed back into “Top 5“ talks, and he’ll reposition himself as a major topic of praise amongst the MMA community. Any fan who’s lost his desire to see Rampage fight, will likely rediscover that infatuation.

When Rampage wins, it’s often in dramatic, jaw dropping fashion. Dramatic fights sell tickets and Pay-Per-Views, and both White and Rampage win when the books clock high figures.

A destructive performance from Rampage could completely sway the tides between Rampage and the UFC in general. A hefty locker room bonus could persuade Jackson to rethink his immediate plans, and if he can perform at his best this weekend, a beefy bonus certainly isn’t out of the question.

So, will Rampage really part ways with the UFC after UFC on FOX 6? Not if Jackson leaves his all in the cage and treats fans to a vintage performance. However, if Quinton falls to the oft-praised Teixeira, he may once more find himself battling his inner demons, and a third consecutive loss won’t endear his performance price-tag to Dana White.

Rampage’s future hinges on Saturday’s bout. With a win over Glover, I see Rampage and White shocking the world, with the former champion remaining an active member of the UFC roster. A loss seems to ensure walking papers.

Follow me on Twitter I’m amazingly enlightening.

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UFC on FX Results: 7 Key Takeaways from Belfort vs. Bisping Fight Card

Saturday night proved to be an interesting aesthetic journey. Fans witnessed a few shining moments on the undercard as well as a few snooze fests and an Academy Award-worthy performance. The main card, however, did yield some wild action and impressive…

Saturday night proved to be an interesting aesthetic journey. Fans witnessed a few shining moments on the undercard as well as a few snooze fests and an Academy Award-worthy performance.

The main card, however, did yield some wild action and impressive performances.

UFC on FX 7 offered a number of lessons, but in case you were too preoccupied with your Budweiser (almost guilty!) to learn anything, I’ll provide a little recap for you.

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Vitor Belfort vs Michael Bisping: 5 Fights for Belfort to Take Next

After defeating Michael Bisping in the main event of UFC on FX 7, Vitor Belfort took to the microphone to call for a rematch with Jon Jones, the 205-pound champion who dealt Belfort a beating at UFC 152.Is this is a sign that Vitor has his eyes on anot…

After defeating Michael Bisping in the main event of UFC on FX 7, Vitor Belfort took to the microphone to call for a rematch with Jon Jones, the 205-pound champion who dealt Belfort a beating at UFC 152.

Is this is a sign that Vitor has his eyes on another weight adjustment? Will he continue his campaign at 185 pounds, or is it back to light heavyweight for “The Phenom”?

For the time being, we’ll consider Vitor a middleweight. He throttled Bisping at 185 pounds, and I don’t expect to see an immediate move back to 205, considering the fact he’s highly unlikely to get another crack at Jones in the near future.

That leaves a handful of interesting opponents for Belfort. However, one you won’t see make this list is Anderson Silva.

I’m certain the world would love to watch another fight between these two, as the first encounter, at UFC 126, proved to be an exciting affair—for the three-and-a-half minutes it lasted.

Anderson tagged Belfort with a flush front kick to the chin and the fight was a wrap. It wasn’t exactly a competitive affair, and Vitor hasn’t done enough in recent memory to warrant another shot just yet.

So, scratch that idea right now.

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UFC on FX 7: Post-Fight Stock Report

The UFC’s first event of 2013 is officially in the books, and while the event didn’t travel great lengths to outline too many new contenders, fans did witness one highly touted middleweight knocked from an extravagant self-made pedestal.Whi…

The UFC’s first event of 2013 is officially in the books, and while the event didn’t travel great lengths to outline too many new contenders, fans did witness one highly touted middleweight knocked from an extravagant self-made pedestal.

While preliminary action saw quite a few dynamic exchanges and explosive finishes, the true magic could be found on the FX broadcast, where eight fighters put forth valiant attempts at moving forward within their divisions.

With just one of four main-card fights finding its outcome in the hands of the judges, there were fireworks to be found. However, while some rose to the occasion, some definitely stumbled and some found themselves trapped in a showcase of mediocrity.

Regardless of outcomes, for another free event, UFC on FX 7 yielded big cheers from this household, and should unquestionably be considered a success.

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UFC on FX 7 Results: 5 Fights for Daniel Sarafian to Take Next

Saturday night wasn’t Daniel Sarafian’s night. The powerful TUF: Brazil product didn’t exactly live up to the hype surrounding him.The stout middleweight met the discordant C.B. Dollaway in his official UFC debut Saturday night, and w…

Saturday night wasn’t Daniel Sarafian’s night. The powerful TUF: Brazil product didn’t exactly live up to the hype surrounding him.

The stout middleweight met the discordant C.B. Dollaway in his official UFC debut Saturday night, and while he proved a game opponent, he failed to do what most expected: destroy C.B. Dollaway.

Dollaway was rattled on more than one occasion in the early portions of the fight, but as the clock wore on, Sarafian slowed.

Dollaway was able to take control midway through the second round, and he did a fair job of keeping the upper hand over his opponent for the remainder of the fight.

Fortunately for Sarafian, the loss means little. Octagon jitters may well have played a factor in the fight, and the Brazilian did keep things competitive until the final bell sounded.

Daniel will be back, the only question is, who welcomes him in his sophomore effort?

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