"Rampage" Jackson verbally agrees to face Lyoto Machida at Nov. 20 UFC event by John Morgan on Jul 21, 2010 at 2:20 am ET This content is protected A long-anticipated battle between two former UFC champions is likely to take place this fall. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the organization that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (30-8 MMA, 5-2 UFC) has verbally agreed to face Lyoto Machida (16-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC). Jackson teased the contest on his official Twitter account, and MMAjunkie.com has learned that the bout is targeted for the main event of a yet-to-be-announced Nov. 20 date. "Almost ready to sign the bout agreement," Jackson stated on his Twitter account. "I would tell ya'll who I'm gonna get down with, but I can't spell his name. Hahaha." As Jackson alluded to in the post, bout agreements have yet to be finalized. A location for the Nov. 20 card (which could potentially serve as UFC 123) has yet to be determined, and UFC officials are said to be considering a handful of potential venues. Jackson looks to bounce back from a May loss to nemesis Rashad Evans at UFC 114. The contest was the culmination of 14 months worth of rivalry and a coaching gig on "The Ultimate Fighter" opposite Evans. Prior to the loss, Jackson had earned back-to-back victories over Keith Jardine and Wanderlei Silva. Meanwhile, Machida also looks to bounce back from a loss the first defeat of his career. "The Dragon" was knocked out in the first round of his May rematch with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and relinquished his belt in the process. Prior to the defeat, Machida had earned eight-straight UFC wins and both claimed and once defended the UFC's light heavyweight title. Jackson was said to be interested in a rematch with Forrest Griffin the man who took the title from "Rampage" in July 2008 but the original winner of "The Ultimate Fighter" is currently sidelined following shoulder surgery. The winner of the Jackson-Machida contest will undoubtedly return to top-contender status in a stacked 205-pound division. For additional coverage of the as-yet-unannounced Nov. 20 UFC event, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com. (Pictured: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson)
Rampage vs Jackson makes perfect sense. The UFC like to make guys win a few before they get another title shot. That is good because Lil Nog, Forrest etc are in the pipeline too. Bones Jones could creep up these guys in the next 3 fights. I think Dana wants to hold him back but soon he will be ready.
when did page vs machida I happen? ha good fight this think machida takes it on pnts but it could be tough if page is prepard right!
I was thinking the same thing. Great fight, although I think Rampage will have his work cut out for him. Smart money would go on Machida by decision, but Rampage always has that game changer with his power. I also think that Rampage will have to switch up his game plan for this and go on the offensive. Both are counter strikers by nature, but Machida is probably the better, as well as having more range as he utilises kicks more, while Rampage relies on boxing. If Rampage chooses to try and trade counters all night he will be picked off at will. However he has the chin and the power to try and overwhelm Machida and not give him space, something Shogun showed us Machida does not like. That would be Rampages best chance imo. Whether or not he can pull off what Shogun did is another matter.
Rampage could have a hard time figuring him out as he did with Rashad. If he doesnt bring his A game he's geting beat on points.
I really really hope Rampage gets in better shape for this fight , he was so badly out of shape for Evans it was almost a shame to watch , Rampage fully fit and focused is a real threat for even fighters as elusive as Machida , his wrestling is soild and he has KO power and sound technical boxing , he has a real under rated counter left hook and is genuinley heavy handed , Machida may look to dominate Rampage using leg kicks and clinch when Rampage when he closes the distance , as Machida is very very strong and technical in the clinch . This fight hinges on how Rampage prepares for it , he cut down from 250 for the Evans fight , that is unnaceptable and he paid the consequenses for it , id love to see Rampage KO Machida man !!!! :good
Machida is going to kick the living **** out of his legs. The only chance Page has is catching him with a shot while he kicks.
I do not see Rampage winning this. Lyoto is too technical and defensively sound for Rampage to knock him out.
Still have yet to see if Rampage how rampage deals with strikers who will go for his legs.. We know he has one shot power and fights defensive which is a good test for Machida to look out for counters himself.. Machida is going to employ his move and pepper with light strikes game, and wait for Rampage to make a mistake. Makes for an interesting matchup, a lot depends on Rampage.
do yall not remember how good rampages chin is? it took wanderlei 20 knees to knock him out?and if i do recall machida got knocked out by a short hook.so i go t rampage by k.o or machida by decision