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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