Remembering the past: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s 5 greatest fights
Rampage is a guy who prides himself on being entertaining and exciting to watch. With what could very well have been his last fight in the octagon, a humble and cerebral Rampage recently stated the following in a post-fight interview with FuelTV’s Ariel Helwani:
“I don’t know if I can compete with the top people. It’s my first time I’ve lost three fights in a row. I’m not going to give up. I’m going to go back to the drawing board and work on everything. I feel like I can come back if I set my mind to it, but right now if anyone picks me up, that’s my marketing pitch — hey I’ll put on a great show for you.”
“I think that this is my reality and I have to see what’s next. I’ve been fighting for 13 years and the game has changed a lot. I might just be one of those fighters that come in and excite the crowd — be like Gary Goodridge. One of those guys who just comes out and puts on a great show. Gary Goodridge is a great ambassador for the sport and he taught me a long time ago that it’s all about the show. I’m just going out there and try to entertain the fans. I’ll be one of those middle range fighters. If someone wants to pick me up and somebody is going to put on an exciting fight for the fans.”
As Dana’s said on multiple occasions, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson happens to be one of those guys who has always had the potential to be soo much more. With little to no wrestling or even previous combat experience, Rampage made a serious name for himself in a sport full of very experienced, tested and decorated martial artists.
With enough focus, training and the right attitude, there’s no telling what Rampage could have accomplished in his career. When someone as naturally talented at the sport of fighting as he was, makes it their priority to be the best, there’s no doubt he could have held on to the 205 belt longer, notching a bunch more wins and finishes to his record in the process.
But enough of what could have been, let’s talk about what actually took place and what the future may have in store for Rampage. Let’s start with what I consider his 5 most memorable fights:
Ricardo Arona
For the old school fans of Rampage, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear his name is the word “SLAM”. This is the fight that will forever be known as Rampages greatest signature finish and will more than likely find itself on to pretty much every MMA highlight reel, until mankind is invaded and destroyed by aliens who watched the A-Team movie and decided that we should no longer be allowed to live.
The fight didn’t quite live up to the hype as Rashad decided to wrestle and strategize the hell out of Rampage. But the event was historical in that it was the culmination of a long-awaited bad blood feud between the two coaches of one of the most successful seasons of The Ultimate Fighter ever.
For many UFC fans, this was the fight that really introduced them to Rampage for the very first time. With one punch Rampage changed the entire landscape of the Light-heavyweight division, knocking off the reigning defending Champion from his throne, ending his winning streak and snatching the UFC title in the process. Ironically however, this made him public enemy #1. Due to Chuck Liddell’s popularity, Rampage’s victory wasn’t so well-received resulting in a shower of boos.
This fight was significant in that it was the very first time anyone has ever KO’d Rampage in his entire career. And boy oh boy was this a vicious KO. There aren’t many beatings more one sided than this one. If you haven’t seen this match I advise you look it up immediately. Let me know if your jaw drops when Rampage’s lifeless body is dangling on the ropes.
Wanderlei Silva III
After being destroyed by the same opponent twice, it’s no wonder why Rampage was itching for another chance to fight the aging axe-murder. This fight was significant for one simple reason, revenge. With two successive blocks and a beautifully timed left hook to the jaw, Rampage got his revenge, a win and a nasty KO all in one night.
Rampage accomplished a lot in his career. But the question we now face is, what will he do next? According to Dana, the UFC would like to stay in the Rampage Jackson business and hopes to have him remain on their roster. But as Dana has also pointed out on many occasions, Rampage does what ever Rampage wants. Let’s hope he plans on sticking around and entertaining us just a little more.
