Bleacher Report’s Matthew Saccaro:
This Saturday marks the date that two of the UFC’s top light heavyweights—Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill—will square off in the Octagon.
Jackson, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, as well as a legend of the defunct Pride organization, is expected to thoroughly crush Hamill—the fight’s underdog with odds ranging from +215-+250 depending on who’s counting—en route to another run at the light heavyweight crown.
In fact, this is likely what is desired by the UFC and fans across the world. Rampage is one of the most charismatic fighters in the UFC and probably the most charismatic in his weight class. Thus, he is easy to market and popular.
But, should he lose to Hamill, what would happen?
First, Rampage’s reputation as a top competitor would evaporate. Many feel he did not win his last fight against Lyoto Machida despite what the judges decided. Before that, he lost a decision to Rashad Evans, a fight in which the former Pride star came out flat. So, in the eyes of many fans, he would have lost three straight.