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.
It is very difficult for a fighter’s reputation to survive that.
Rampage has been accused of no longer taking fighting seriously. Should he lose, this notion will become fact amongst MMA fans and Rampage’s popularity will sharply diminish as his “throw caution to the wind” demeanor will have faded from reality into memory.
Hamill would obviously be the recipient of a large boost in popularity and in hype received from the UFC. He would also officially be “in the mix” as far as title contention goes.
But what of the light heavyweight division? Some might say Hamill winning would ultimately be a bad thing as he is not, nor will he ever be, as popular or marketable as Rampage (This is an unfortunate consequence of Hamill’s deafness). However, the division would be just fine with a Hamill victory.
Why? Simply put, the division—for at least the near future—will be dominated by the same few figures. Champion Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, Phil Davis, Lyoto Machida, and perhaps Mauricio “Shogun” Rua should he triumph over Forrest Griffin at UFC 134.
What all of these men have in common is this: They would all beat Matt Hamill and Rampage Jackson in a fight. Thus, while Rampage losing may rob the UFC and fans of a potential Evans-Jackson II, it would not be a hindrance on the division, since neither Rampage nor Hamill will ever reach the very top echelon of the division—again in Rampage’s case.
So, despite what marketing material may say, the result of UFC 130‘s main event is ultimately inconsequential in the grand scheme of the light heavyweight division.
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