UFC 135 | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

UFC 135 Fight Card: Should Rampage Jackson Be Overlooked Against Jon Jones?

The sport of MMA pulls out a lot of upsets and is about as unpredictable as sports come. The underdog pulls out a victory over a bigger name and shocks the world and then becomes the next big thing in MMA until that fighter himself—or herself&mda…

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson faces Jon Jones in a fight where Rampage is definitely the underdog.

It seems most of the MMA world is on the Jon Jones bandwagon with some people—not a lot but some—claiming Jones is a top three pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Some even have him above Georges St-Pierre which to me is ridiculous.

Some even have Jones overlooking this fight with Rampage to a possible fight with Anderson Silva. Facts are facts here, yes Jones has beaten everyone he has faced in a pretty bad manner. Yes he won the title over a very good fighter and is technically unbeaten in his career.

Has he defended his belt though? No.

Rampage can pull out a win here if Jones simply does what everyone else is doing—overlooking Rampage.

If Rampage can close the enormous distance in this fight and keep that hook cocked back and finally unleash it for a devastating knockout, Rampage will pull out the W.

The chances aren’t good though as the distance between Rampage and Jones is a staggering 11 inches.

I’m not going to make a bold claim here and say there is no way Rampage loses. I’m not going to even say I’m picking Rampage. But Rampage does have a shot here and as a former UFC light heavyweight champion he shouldn’t be overlooked.

Rampage may not have been Rampage in his last few fights, but that isn’t to say he can’t find himself against Jones. Rampage has that deadly one-punch knockout power that can—and might—send Jones down for his first legitimate loss of his career.

For unfunny jokes, MMA news and reaction from events, you can follow me on Twitter: @SalDeRoseMMA.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC: The 10 Most Anticipated Upcoming Non-Title Fights the Rest of 2011

Championship fights. They’re what every fighter wants to be in, they’re what every fan wants to watch. But that doesn’t mean that non-title fights deserve any less respect. So far this year, fighters like Donald Cerrone, Brian Ebersole, Chris Lytle, Diego Sanchez, Martin Kampmann, Brian Stann, Rashad Evans, and Tito Ortiz have put on amazing performances in non-title fights.

With all 7 UFC Championships scheduled to be defended between now and Thanksgiving, many fights with title implications that would normally be Main Event-level fights are now getting 2nd and 3rd billing to the championship fights.

Here’s 10 non-title fights everybody should be watching out for the rest of the year.

And, here we go:

Begin Slideshow

UFC 135 Fight Card: Does Matt Hughes Have Anything Left to Prove?

Having the title of world champion synonymous with your name is a dream that most fighters will never achieve. Going even further, leaving a legacy that fans will talk about decades from now is never even on the radar until a champion reaches the twili…

Having the title of world champion synonymous with your name is a dream that most fighters will never achieve.

Going even further, leaving a legacy that fans will talk about decades from now is never even on the radar until a champion reaches the twilight of their career.

For UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC Welterweight champion Matt Hughes, that crossroad has finally come.

Ever since he made his UFC debut almost 12 years ago, Hughes has been exciting fans with his dominating style and spectacular performances against the elite of the sport. Still possessing the title as the longest reigning welterweight champion in UFC history, Hughes has left a legacy that few fighters will ever match.

Now set to face Diego Sanchez at UFC 135, it seems that the former All-American may be overstaying his welcome as retirement continues to loom large over the head of the aging legend.

The question remains, what more does he have to prove?

Hughes has already established himself as one of the greatest champions of all-time, putting on spectacular performances in his title fights and owning win over some of the biggest names in the sport, such as Georges St. Pierre and BJ Penn.

While still an active member of the UFC roster, the promotion bestowed upon him one of the most prestigious honors in sports, adding Hughes to the gallery of legends in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Even after his championship reign was over, Hughes put on some spectacular performances, taking out a whole slew of stars, such as Ricardo Almeida, Matt Serra, and Renzo Gracie, all in a row.

But after such a brutal knock out loss to Penn in the rubber match of their trilogy, it seems that his tank is finally reaching empty.

Sure he’s still in great shape and poses a threat to any opponent, but putting his body through this stress, especially against a top contender in Sanchez, just seems like too much.

As members of the old guard continue to be taken out one by one, fans of the fighters who took the UFC to another level do not want to see another legend retire after a few bad beatings.

Hughes is dangerously entering Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture territory, having their retirements handed to them after heart breaking losses.

I’m not saying that Hughes cannot beat Sanchez, but what does fighting him even prove?

Hughes has already admitted that he only wants to fight in bouts that interest him and that making a run at the title is unrealistic.

But just because a fight may pique his curiosity does not mean he should take them.

Win or lose on September 24th, Hughes should recognize the incredible legacy he has already set and make the decision to hang up the gloves.

The fans love him for everything he has given the sport and he has nothing left to prove to the public. All that remains is convincing himself that the name Matt Hughes will stay in the memories of fans for a long, long time.

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattJuulMMA.

“Like” Matt on Facebook.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 135 Jones vs. Rampage: Why This Could Be the Biggest Fight of the Year

On September 24th, 2011, Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his light heavyweight championship against veteran and former champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.It has the makings of the best fight of the year.Oddsmakers have Jones pegge…

On September 24th, 2011, Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his light heavyweight championship against veteran and former champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

It has the makings of the best fight of the year.

Oddsmakers have Jones pegged as the favorite in the fight, and the general consensus is that the 24-year-old will run through Jackson.

I’ll admit that Jones deserves some of his hype, but the fight won’t be a shutout. Rampage will be his stiffest test to date, and as such we will see a tremendous performance from both fighters.

The old adage “styles make fights” certainly applies to Rampage vs. Jones, so let us explore how this fight could stylistically be the biggest and most entertaining of the year.

Begin Slideshow

UFC 135 Fight Card: 7 Questions Heading into Jon Jones’ First Title Defense

Since capturing the UFC light heavyweight title from Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 via a dominating performance, there has been much talk about Jon Jones and his future in the UFC.While many are looking long term for “Bones,” it probably makes sense…

Since capturing the UFC light heavyweight title from Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 via a dominating performance, there has been much talk about Jon Jones and his future in the UFC.

While many are looking long term for “Bones,” it probably makes sense to look at his first title defense before looking far down the road for the UFC’s youngest champion ever.

With that in mind, what follows are some of the questions facing Jones as he prepares to defend his light heavyweight title against former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

The two will meet in the main event at UFC 135, which is scheduled to take place at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO on September 24.

Begin Slideshow

UFC 135: Jon Jones Says Rampage Jackson’s "Mouth" Makes Him a Dangerous Opponent

The competition will only continue to become tougher for Jon Jones as he prepares to defend the UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135. Jones, who will make his first title defense, spoke to Inside MMA about his u…

The competition will only continue to become tougher for Jon Jones as he prepares to defend the UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135.

Jones, who will make his first title defense, spoke to Inside MMA about his upcoming bout and how he feels about facing another legend in Jackson.

“It’s going to be great, it’s a great opportunity for me,”Jones said.

“Rampage has beaten some of the best in the sport, he’s knocked out some of the best in the sport. He has 40 wins; he’s a Pride champ and a UFC champ so his credentials are good.”

Ironically, not many fans are giving Jackson a chance to dethrone the champion following Jones’ quick ascension to the top of the light heavyweight division. It is an observation many critics and fans will be quick to point out regardless of “Rampage’s”skills and success in the UFC.

Although Jackson is an imposing and intimidating figure, Jones said his opponent’s biggest weapon might not necessarily be his renowned striking and knockout power.

“I think his mouth makes him dangerous, he’s a big talker,” the champion joked.

“It’s just his hands. He’s knocked out many people with his hands and I’m prepared for that.”

All kidding aside, Jones has a competitive bout ahead of him.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com