Author: Mike Hodges

Shogun Rua Says Rematch with Rampage Jackson ‘Will Happen Eventually’

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was the last man to defeat Quinton “Rampage” Jackson prior to Jackson heading to the UFC.And, it appears that they may meet each other once again.Rua spoke about the idea of facing Jackson to TATAME.com, who faced the former UFC l…

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was the last man to defeat Quinton “Rampage” Jackson prior to Jackson heading to the UFC.

And, it appears that they may meet each other once again.

Rua spoke about the idea of facing Jackson to TATAME.com, who faced the former UFC light heavyweight champion in PRIDE nearly a decade ago.

“The fight against Rampage will happen eventually,” Rua said of a possible rematch. “He won’t retire before fighting me and neither am I.”

Jackson had called out the Brazilian and requested a rematch at UFC 144 in Japan. However, Jackson was unaware that Rua had already fought Dan Henderson and the turnaround would be too soon. He was offered Ryan Bader instead.

Jackson would go to lose to Bader in the co-main event. Jackson dropped back-to-back losses for the first time in his career.

Rua said he hoped to fight at UFC 144, as he credited Japan as the place where he began his career.

“It was in Japan where I appeared to the world. I missed it there,” he said. “I like the Japanese people, I really like Japan.”

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UFC 145: Jon Jones vs Rashad Evans Video Preview

What was once a close friendship has now turned into a bitter rivalry between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans.The two former teammates are set to square off in one of the most anticipated light heavyweight title bouts in UFC history when they headline UFC 1…

What was once a close friendship has now turned into a bitter rivalry between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans.

The two former teammates are set to square off in one of the most anticipated light heavyweight title bouts in UFC history when they headline UFC 145.

The trailer was first released during the UFC 144 broadcast this past weekend, and it highlights their ongoing feud.

After a few setbacks due to both fighters being injured, it now appears that they will finally face off in a heated grudge match that has been building thought the past year. And what a better way to settle their differences than in a title bout in one of the most anticipated events of the year.

UFC 145 is scheduled for April 21st, live from the Phillips Arena in Atlanta.

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Rampage Jackson Responds to Dan Henderson’s Criticism Via Twitter

UFC 144 was supposed to be a homecoming for Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.Entering the Octagon with to PRIDE theme music and slamming Ryan Bader on his head brought back some of the nostalgia for Japanese fans, but Jackson wasn’t able to pick up the victor…

UFC 144 was supposed to be a homecoming for Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Entering the Octagon with to PRIDE theme music and slamming Ryan Bader on his head brought back some of the nostalgia for Japanese fans, but Jackson wasn’t able to pick up the victory.

Jackson looked rather lethargic walking into his bout with Bader, as he claimed a knee injury forced him to enter the matchup at six pounds over the 205-pound weight limit. The loss to Bader was Jackson’s second straight defeat, and it didn’t sit well with some fans. 

Or with Dan Henderson.

Henderson voiced his opinion on the matchup via his Twitter account over the weekend. He criticized Jackson’s performance and didn’t seem to be too impressed with the former UFC light heavyweight champion.

“Bader fought great. Nice job. Quinton looks like he just showed up to get paid,” Henderson wrote. “Good round for Bader. Rampage has never been the smartest fighter.” 

Henderson’s comments obviously didn’t seem to flatter Jackson, as retaliated in very few words.

“I was smart enough 2 take your belt,” Jackson wrote in response to Henderson.

Both Jackson and Henderson fought to unify the UFC and PRIDE light heavyweight title at UFC 75, which saw Jackson earn the unanimous decision. 

Henderson is currently awaiting the winner of the upcoming title bout between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans at UFC 145 , but he recently stated that he would be open to facing Jackson in a rematch.

Although the recent Twitter feud between Jackson and Henderson won’t likely escalate, it might start a potential rivalry if both men meet again in a future bout.  

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Rampage Jackson Not Considering Retirement, Still Sees a Future in the UFC

Following his disappointing performance against Ryan Bader at UFC 144, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s future was uncertain.The former PRIDE FC star was eager to fight in Japan but he came up short in the process against Bader, who outwrestled Jackson for …

Following his disappointing performance against Ryan Bader at UFC 144, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s future was uncertain.

The former PRIDE FC star was eager to fight in Japan but he came up short in the process against Bader, who outwrestled Jackson for a majority of the bout. Jackson also entered his bout overweight, as he missed the weight cut the day before.

But despite the loss, Jackson is still adamant on fighting in the UFC.

“See, I know I’m getting to the end of my career, because I say I don’t want to fight past 35, but, honestly, before I hurt my knee you guys should have seen how I was training,” Jackson told reporters during a UFC 144 post-fight press conference. 

“I think I’ve got a lot of years (left). I’m ready to put on more shows. I heal up fast, I’m like a werewolf. I wasn’t even supposed to fight here, so I’ll be back really soon.”

In regards to a future opponent for Jackson, names have ranged from Dan Henderson to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Rua was an opponent that Jackson had originally intended on facing in Japan, prior to facing Bader in the co-main event.

The loss to Bader gives Jackson the first back-to-back losses in his career and is now 7-4 inside the Octagon, and holds a professional record of 32-10 overall.

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UFC 144 Results: Benson Henderson Is the Future of the UFC Lightweight Division

Just over a year ago, Benson Henderson was on the wrong side of a unanimous decision that saw Anthony Pettis crowned as WEC lightweight champion, having fans singing his praises and leaving Henderson to begin his climb back to a title shot.And at UFC 1…

Just over a year ago, Benson Henderson was on the wrong side of a unanimous decision that saw Anthony Pettis crowned as WEC lightweight champion, having fans singing his praises and leaving Henderson to begin his climb back to a title shot.

And at UFC 144, Henderson had reclaimed his position at the top of the 155-pound division, defeating Frankie Edgar in a classic five-round bout to become UFC lightweight champion.

Henderson was very dependent on utilizing his superior size and strength on Edgar, out-striking his opponent at certain points and landing the more damaging shots. Near the end of the second round, Henderson landed a devastating up-kick that floored the champion and was nearly finished before the bell sounded.

At the end of the bout, fans were undecided as to who won, as either competitor had a legitimate case to be declared the winner. But in the end, Henderson stood alone as the best 155-pound fighter on the planet.

Henderson now finds himself as public enemy in a talent-rich pool of contenders, but he is determined and willing to face all challengers.

Blessed with freakish athleticism and charisma, Henderson has all the tools to remain champion for a while. Since his loss to Pettis, the 28-year-old has obliterated the competition. He has now defeated three of the division’s top contenders in impressive fashion and he appears to be only getting better with each fight. 

Displaying such a tenacious and reckless style, Henderson also poses such a calm demeanor in the fight, showing a mental toughness that is seemingly unbreakable.

Now, with the lightweight title firmly around his waist, Henderson will begin his reign as champion and prepare to put together a string of title defenses reminiscent of his tenure in the WEC. And if history tells us anything, Henderson might hold onto that title for the foreseeable future.

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UFC 144 Fight Card: Is Jake Shields in a Must-Win Situation?

To compete at an event as monumental as UFC 144, there are certainly a few fighters feeling nervous prior to their respective bouts, but no other fighter is in a worse position than Jake Shields.The former Strikeforce middleweight champion has gone 1-2…

To compete at an event as monumental as UFC 144, there are certainly a few fighters feeling nervous prior to their respective bouts, but no other fighter is in a worse position than Jake Shields.

The former Strikeforce middleweight champion has gone 1-2 since his UFC debut last year and could be on the verge of being released if he is to come up short against Yoshihiro Akiyama.

It would be disappointing to see a talented fighter such as Shields be cut from the promotion when he boasts more than enough qualities to still make him a formidable threat in either the welterweight division or middleweight division. 

Shields was widely regarded as one of the best 170-pound fighters after gathering wins over fighters like Dan Henderson, Carlos Condit and Paul Daley. In addition, he owned a 15-fight winning streak and was undefeated for nearly five years.

His fight against Akiyama will prove whether he can still remain a contender in the stacked 170-pound division while still competing against the likes of Jake Ellenberger, Jonny Hendricks and current champion Georges St-Pierre.

Shields’ intention should be to get the bout to the ground as soon as possible to keep it to his advantage. 

While his services could be more well-suited to the middleweight division, if Shields is unable to get the win at UFC 144, his status as a top contender will be in question, and certainly so will his future in the sport altogether.

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