Tag: UFC 153

[BREAKING] Rampage Jackson Out of UFC 153 With Elbow Injury


(We can pay for your elbow surgery, Rampage, but the UFC’s insurance policy does not cover gonorrhea.) 

In the past few years, we have seen former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson turn from a Ricardo Arona-powerbombing, Chuck Liddell-stomping, Southern California freeway-racing SOB into a tirelessly complaining, terrible rapping, transsexual raping shell of his former self. His ongoing war with the UFC and their insistence on giving him “boring fights” has grown tired to even the biggest Rampage fan at this point, and regardless of how hard he has tried to convince us that “big fights” are waiting for him outside of the UFC, most of us just assumed that once he got the tar beat out of him by Glover Teixeira at UFC 153, he would abandon MMA altogether, star in a series of direct-to-DVD films in the vein of Blood and Bone, and fade into obscurity until 2025, when he will be arrested for binging on 5 hour energy drinks, stripping down to his birthday suit, and destroying a magazine kiosk in New York City because “my neighbors demon-possessed dog told me to.” Or something like that.

In either case, it seemed as if we would finally reach the light at the end of the figurative tunnel at UFC 153, and could bid Jackson adieu once and for all. Because clearly, his passion for the sport had dwindled beyond the point of return.

Well, my friends, Dana White just dropped a bombshell on Twitter, and not even Sly Stallone can get us out of this tunnel:

Rampage is hurt and out of UFC 153 RIO. SUCKS!!!!!!

You can almost feel the apathy in White’s tweet.

Ariel Helwani confirmed that Jackson suffered an elbow injury, and that the UFC is currently looking for a replacement opponent for Teixeira.

We will keep you informed as things transpire.

–J. Jones


(We can pay for your elbow surgery, Rampage, but the UFC’s insurance policy does not cover gonorrhea.) 

In the past few years, we have seen former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson turn from a Ricardo Arona-powerbombing, Chuck Liddell-stomping, Southern California freeway-racing SOB into a tirelessly complaining, terrible rapping, transsexual raping shell of his former self. His ongoing war with the UFC and their insistence on giving him “boring fights” has grown tired to even the biggest Rampage fan at this point, and regardless of how hard he has tried to convince us that “big fights” are waiting for him outside of the UFC, most of us just assumed that once he got the tar beat out of him by Glover Teixeira at UFC 153, he would abandon MMA altogether, star in a series of direct-to-DVD films in the vein of Blood and Bone, and fade into obscurity until 2025, when he will be arrested for binging on 5 hour energy drinks, stripping down to his birthday suit, and destroying a magazine kiosk in New York City because “my neighbors demon-possessed dog told me to.” Or something like that.

In either case, it seemed as if we would finally reach the light at the end of the figurative tunnel at UFC 153, and could bid Jackson adieu once and for all. Because clearly, his passion for the sport had dwindled beyond the point of return.

Well, my friends, Dana White just dropped a bombshell on Twitter, and not even Sly Stallone can get us out of this tunnel:

Rampage is hurt and out of UFC 153 RIO. SUCKS!!!!!!

You can almost feel the apathy in White’s tweet.

Ariel Helwani confirmed that Jackson suffered an elbow injury, and that the UFC is currently looking for a replacement opponent for Teixeira.

We will keep you informed as things transpire.

–J. Jones

Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson Injured, out of UFC 153 Fight Against Teixeira

Quinton Jackson is a man ready to leave the UFC behind. At least that’s the story that has been told by the man who no longer feels loved by the Las Vegas-based promotion.As a former star in PRIDE and a onetime UFC light heavyweight champion, Jackson i…

Quinton Jackson is a man ready to leave the UFC behind. At least that’s the story that has been told by the man who no longer feels loved by the Las Vegas-based promotion.

As a former star in PRIDE and a onetime UFC light heavyweight champion, Jackson is of the opinion that the UFC should match him up against fighters who prefer to stand and trade. 

The UFC granted Jackson his wish by matching him up with the hard hitting Glover Teixeira, who is coming off a stunning victory over Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 146. The bout was scheduled to be the co-main event of UFC 153 in Rio.

Unfortunately, it appears the bout isn’t going to happen. Just minutes ago, UFC President Dana White sent out the following tweet: 

This is just terrible news for Zuffa and fans. Zuffa put together a great matchup between two exciting light heavyweights with a propensity for putting their opponents to sleep. The bout would also serve as a jumping off point for Teixeira as a win over Jackson would immediately vault him into title contention. 

It would also be a way to send Jackson packing with another L on his record. Now the UFC is left scrambling to find a replacement for Teixeira. Hopefully they have someone in mind that can deliver like Jackson has so many times before. 

UPDATE: Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com has confirmed that Rampage has injured his elbow. 

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UFC 153 News: Rampage Jackson Injured, out of Event

The injury bug has taken a liking to big names lately and this time Rampage Jackson has succumbed to injury and is consequently out of UFC 153.Dana White broke the news on Twitter just minutes ago: 
Rampage is hurt and out of UFC 153 RIO. SUCKS!!!…

The injury bug has taken a liking to big names lately and this time Rampage Jackson has succumbed to injury and is consequently out of UFC 153.

Dana White broke the news on Twitter just minutes ago: 

“Sucks” is an understatement. 

This leaves Glover Teixeira with no opponent and it is unclear what actions the UFC will take to amend the situation.

UFC 153 takes place at the HSBC Arena in Rio De Janeiro and is headlined with the highly anticipated matchup of Jose Aldo defending his featherweight title against Frankie Edgar, who last fought in the lightweight division in an unsuccessful bid to reclaim the lightweight championship from Benson Henderson.

The event also has the likes of Demian Maia, Phil Davis, Jon Fitch and Gabriel Gonzaga competing. By losing Quinton Jackson, the event itself is not losing a large amount of “star power,” but it is undoubtedly unfortunate that we will not see Jackson compete against the rising Glover Teixeira.

More news as it breaks.

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UFC 153: Is This Frankie Edgar’s Last Chance at a UFC Title?

When Frankie Edgar steps into the Octagon October 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil he will fight in his seventh-consecutive UFC championship bout. After dropping his last two bouts against Benson Henderson, his championship record moved to 3-2-1. Will this…

When Frankie Edgar steps into the Octagon October 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil he will fight in his seventh-consecutive UFC championship bout.

After dropping his last two bouts against Benson Henderson, his championship record moved to 3-2-1. Will this be his last opportunity to fight for a UFC belt?

As a betting man, I would have to say no.

Edgar is one of the best, most well-rounded fighters in the world. He will turn 31 three days following UFC 153. The odds are in his favor to earn another shot at a championship should be lose to Aldo. However, it will be a long time until he earns another crack at gold should he taste defeat for the third fight in a row.

Title shots are not merely given out on merit. It is a business, and there is a blend of sport and spectacle with UFC events. While Edgar is an excellent fighter, fans have been growing restless of his fights and rematches. Edgar simply has not drawn interest in title fights. UFC 150 did a reported 190,000 buys.

With a loss, he will have to not only win, but win convincingly to excite the fan base to purchase the next title fight—something that is definitely within his capabilities.

Luckily for Edgar, the featherweight division is lacking depth. That is the biggest factor in Edgar being able to get back to a title shot in short order.

The lack of depth was highlighted by who Edgar replaced for the title shot, Erik Koch.

Koch is only 23 years of age with a 13-1 MMA record. His biggest win came at UFC 128 against Raphael Assuncao, and he followed that with a victory over Jonathan Brookins. That earned him a shot at Aldo’s title.

Looking at the list of current featherweights, there are only a couple of legitimate contenders, which gives Edgar an excellent opportunity to jump back up the divisional rankings.

“The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung is atop the list of potential contenders, Chad Mendes is working his way back to a title shot, and Hatsu Hioki and Dustin Poirier are still in the top 10 after being dominated in their last outings.

Edgar’s decision to drop down to featherweight will prove to be an excellent move for both himself and the division. He is an instant contender, but his lack of selling ability may hamper a quick rematch for the championship should he lose to Aldo.

Edgar will look to avoid all of these questions and hypotheses by defeating the champion at UFC 153. While a loss will send him down the rankings for a lengthy period of time, one should fully expect Edgar to compete for another UFC championship again down the line.

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UFC 153: 3 Fighters Who Could (and Should) Have Been Chosen over Frankie Edgar

As you may have heard, former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar will tussle with current featherweight belt holder Jose Aldo at UFC 153. Edgar replaces Erik Koch, who had to step aside after sustaining an injury that, while sad for him, provided fans …

As you may have heard, former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar will tussle with current featherweight belt holder Jose Aldo at UFC 153. Edgar replaces Erik Koch, who had to step aside after sustaining an injury that, while sad for him, provided fans with some of the happiest UFC news in quite a while.

After the UFC 151 debacle, a spate of major injuries, bad TV ratings and the like, the UFC probably felt it deserved to indulge itself a bit. Frankie Edgar was the evening of pedicures and brownie sundaes that followed the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

For the record, Edgar is a great fighter. This should be a great fight. But. That doesn’t change the fact that Edgar has never actually fought at 145 pounds. Allowing Edgar to cut the line—even if it was an injury situation—isn’t fair to those who have been patiently waiting. And winning. Even Edgar himself was surprised.

It also makes sense from a business standpoint. But you know what else makes sense? Letting fighters get their title shots the old-fashioned way. Doing good business and being morally consistent are not mutually exclusive.

So, not to aspirate in the punch bowl, but here are three fighters who could have gotten the nod over Edgar. And yes, probably should have, too.

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UFC 153: How Jose Aldo Can Defeat Frankie Edgar in October

Jose Aldo has dominated the featherweight ranks since 2009. Former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar will make his much anticipated featherweight debut. The long-awaited superfight between the UFC featherweight champion and Edgar will finally come…

Jose Aldo has dominated the featherweight ranks since 2009. Former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar will make his much anticipated featherweight debut. The long-awaited superfight between the UFC featherweight champion and Edgar will finally come to fruition on October 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The HSBC Arena will once against play host to the UFC.

This fight has been talked about for some time. Edgar had always been a small lightweight even in spite of carrying the division’s top prize for an extended period of time, but after falling to Benson Henderson for the second straight fight he finally decided to drop to featherweight. And an unfortunate injury to Erik Koch opened the door for Edgar to receive the immediate title shot.

Edgar’s style poses a new and intriguing matchup for the UFC champion. How can Aldo get past his toughest opponent to date?

One of Edgar’s biggest assets is his movement. His impeccable movement has led him to great heights and will be tough to game-plan for.

Aldo will have to use his brutal leg kick ability to slow down and make Edgar a sitting duck. The champion has showcased this ability in the past, most notably against Urijah Faber. In that fight, Aldo hammered Faber with leg kicks early and prevented him from using his quickness. On one wheel, Faber was useless for the next four rounds.

That is what Aldo must do to Edgar in Rio.

The champion is the more dynamic and powerful striker between the two athletes. By taking away one of the legs of Edgar he will further establish his dominance on the feet and be able to pick him apart until he is able to finish the fight.

It will also affect Edgar’s wrestling game.

Aldo has excellent takedown defense, but has not been perfect in the area. Edgar is able to mix up his game well and take down most of the fighters he faces. If he is able to do that against Aldo, he will be able to dictate when and where the fight takes place, and have much greater odds of picking up the title.

Aldo has shown his leg kicking power in his fights. In the case of the aforementioned Faber fight, after only a couple of clean legkicks Faber was done. The champion must be able to do the same to Edgar.

Edgar is far too talented to be given all five rounds to implement his game. He mixes his strikes and wrestling far too well, with his movement and footwork the key. For Aldo, the key is effective leg kicks. It will take away the base of Edgar and force him to stand in front of the ferocious champion.

The much anticipated superfight will be a battle of game plans. Whichever fighter is able to implement their game more will exit the HSBC Arena as the UFC featherweight champion. Expect that man to be Jose Aldo. He will incapacitate Edgar and finish him shortly afterwards.

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