Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, News
DETROIT — Lance Gibson has officially been with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson as a striking coach through two training camps, but he’s known the former UFC light-heavyweight champion much longer. The two first met almost a decade ago, at a Big Bear camp for Tito Ortiz.
At the time, Jackson was in his early PRIDE days, while Gibson was preparing for a Shooto fight in Japan. The two reconnected to help Jackson prepare for his recent grudge match with Rashad Evans, and Gibson has played an even bigger role in preparing Jackson for his fight with Lyoto Machida at UFC 123. He feels the second time around will bear fruit in the octagon.
“The difference between last camp and this one is apples and oranges,” Gibson told MMA Fighting. “His mentality, everything is superb. He’s having more fun, you notice he’s smiling more. He’s enjoying himself. He trained really hard for this fight and he’s excited to show it.”