UFC 96: JARDINE VS JACKSON BREAKDOWN

Two top contenders at 205 battle it out at UFC 96 to decide who will move up the ladder at light heavyweight as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson takes on Keith Jardine. Jackson, a former UFC champ, is looking to gain a shot at winning back his belt. After an impressive win against Wanderlei Silva via knockout, a win over Jardine would put Jackson back near the shortlist to fight for the title. Because he lost a controversial and razor close fight to Forrest Grifin to drop the title there is more of a justification for him to get another crack at the belt he once adorned.

Jardine has been a perennial contender at 205, but has never been able to pick up the one crucial win needed to get a chance at fighting for the title. This win could bump him up to that spot, but it won’t happen as long as Rashad Evans is champion. The two train at the same gym (Jackson`s Academy) and will most likely not fight one another. Nonethless Jardine will be up for that shot if somebody else besides Evans is champ and it definitely raises his stock at light heavyweight. It’s a crucial fight for both competitors and here is how this battle breaks down.

STRIKING

When it comes to technical striking, the edge in this fight goes to Rampage. He has worked extensively on his boxing over the years with Juanito Ibarra, and although they no longer train with one another, Jackson has sharpened his skills a lot over the time he did. Kicks, punches, elbows, knees– all the elements of the Muay Thai aspect of fighting have come together well for Jackson. He has the natural aggression to let those skills flourish.

Jardine is an awkward but effective striker. He has a lot of power, and his unusual stance, awkward kicks, both confuse and hurt opponents as they hurl toward them and land. He can both take and throw a punch, as can Jackson. Both have been put away by Wanderlei Silva, but it isn’t any easy task to hurt either of these fighters on the feet and finish them. Silva had to throw a whopping number of strikes in their first battle to KO Jackson. And with Jardine, Houston Alexander had to bombard him with several powerful rights before Jardine crumbled.

The stand up battle between these two will be both very dynamic and cause a lot of damage. But the versatility and technique of Rampage will give him an edge in this realm.

GRAPPLING

Neither fighter is a submission artist. Of course they train BJJ, both submissions and sub defense, but they don’t try and submit opponents in their fights. It is their fists that usually do the talking in the Octagon as opposed to the subtle but highly effective Jiu-Jitsu technique. If the fight hits the mat you’ll likely see one fighter looking to ground and pound the other, while the other tries to get back to the feet or reverse positions to unleash some punching and elbowing fury of their own. BJJ will not be an issue in this fight.

WRESTLING

Rampage has the better wrestling. He can both take down Jardine and defence against any shots Jardine plans on taking. This advantage will be the deciding factor in this fight. If Rampage gets hurt on the feet or wants to go to the ground he can take it to the mat. Jardine doesn’t have this luxury. If it does go to the ground, Rampage’s ground and pound is strong and will score points and potentially cut up Jardine on the bottom.

CARDIO

It’s a 15 minute fight and both fighters can go 3 rounds hard. Won’t be an issue.

STREAK

Both fighters are coming off big wins. Jardine scored a great victory over Brandon Vera, while Jackson scored an amazing KO over Wanderlei Silva. The momentum is about even but since Rampage’s victory was more recent and more high profile with the outstanding KO over a former champion, he has a bit more momentum coming in. It really won`t factor into the situation too much as both fighters are highly motivated no matter what the circumstances.

THE RESULT

Better striking and the ability to dictate where this fight gives this fight to Quinton Jackson. Both fighters are hard to finish so this could go the distance of 15 minutes. Better technique on the feet and superior wrestling will allow Jackson to win and get another crack at the belt.

Jatinder Dhoot is the co-creator of the MMA Trivia application for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

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