In their first fight, Wanderlei Silva threw 30 strikes at Quinton Jackson in the flurry that ended the fight.
17 Knees
10 Punches
2 Soccer Kicks
1 Headkick
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- His striking is better. Quinton Jackson learned a lot of good boxing technique from Juanito Ibarra over the years. That knowledge facilitated his win over Chuck Liddell to become the UFC light heavyweight champion. Although the two don’t work with one another any more, the knowledge which was imparted to Jackson still is highly useful. His power has always been there, but now he has more solid technique to deal with Wanderlei’s striking.
- Wanderlei is no longer invincible. When these two met in Pride, Silva is a wrecking machine that was destroying everyone in his path at 205 pounds. His dominance made him the greatest champion Pride FC ever witnessed. Brutal and hyper aggressive assaults over opponents would lead to inevitable knockouts from the Brazilian, which included the two KOs over Jackson. This time around however Silva has lost on many occasions and has been knocked out twice devastating fashion. While exceptionally dangerous he no longer has that aura of invincibility surrounding him.
- Rampage has grown as a fighter. Becoming a champion and defending your belt is a great distinction in the world of MMA. Rampage was able to knockout the champ and go on to defend against Dan Henderson and collect his Pride FC 205 pound title. He has matured as a fighter in all areas and become increasingly dangerous. While his last outing was a defeat, he still has had a very impressive UFC career and has been able fight 10 rounds hard in his last two fights.
- Revenge. Rampage doesn’t want to lose to anyone. Everybody at the highest level of athletics gets their because of an intense desire to win and be the best. Losing twice to the same fighter, but times by knockout, is something that a competitor like Jackson won’t take lightly. These losses are surely eating away at him and he desperately wants to erase them from his record. He can’t fathom dropping three fights to Silva and will be even more motivated than usual to win this fight.
- Different rules. Soccer kicks and stomps need not apply. While Wanderlei Silva stomped and punted people’s heads to victory in Japan, in the UFC he won’t be able to do this. His first win over Jackson included a barrage of soccer kicks to the American’s head. Silva won’t have that luxury if he injures Jackson this tima around. Also elbows to the face are allowed and Jackson can utilize some of his effective elbows from the top position should the fight go to the ground.
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The 2 times Wanderlei Silva and Quinton Jackson met up in Pride were both interesting encounters in ’03 and ’04. But both times ended with knockouts and Silva’s hands raised? What’s different this time around when the two tangle in December at UFC 92?:
Using the services of Juanito Ibarra has developed Rampage’s skills in boxing immensely. Although he no longer employs the boxing turned MMA coach, he learned a lot from him and scored a UFC title and wins over Dan Henderson and Chuck Liddell with his aid.
SILVA IS NO LONGER INVINCIBLE
When Silva defeated
SOCCER IS NOT POPULAR IN THE
Rampant soccer kicks to the head is a precious weapon in Silva’s arsenal and was used against Rampage in their first bout. This time around the unified rules the UFC adheres to won’t allow the soccer kick happy Silva to employ such tactics.
KNEES TO THE DOWNED OPPONENT
Same goes for knees to the head on the ground. If a fighter is in the down position, Silva won’t be able to have his way by drilling his knees to the head.
THE CAGE
If Rampage scores a takedown against the wily Silva, he can utilized the fence as a tool. Rampage can stuff Silva into the cage and work some ground and pound. By the same token it can aid Silva in getting back to his feet.
10 MINUTE ROUNDS NO MORE
The first round in Pride is a grueling 10 minute affair. No more is that going to be a factor in this third battle. Five 3 minute rounds will be a refreshing change for the fighters and make for potential 3 stanzas of unadulterated light heavyweight violence in the most technical form.
THE OUTCOME
This time around Rampage will come out on top. He is desperate to get his title back and show the world he is a true champion. If his head is on straight, which some people questioned after he went on a road Rampage earlier this year, he will come out on top. He definitely doesn’t want to lose for a 3rd time and his main source of motivation will likely stem from this. Rampage by decision as he narrows the score to 2-1 in this trilogy.
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On September 15, 2007, in the International Vale Tudo Championship 2, Wanderlei Silva defeated two opponents before being TKO’d via cut by Artur Mariano, who won 3 bouts that evening to win the championship.
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MMACanada.net notes that sources have informed them Rampage Jackson will fight Wanderlei Silva at UFC 91 on November 15th in Las Vegas. This would be the third meeting between Jackson and Silva.
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On August 28, 2005 Fedor Emelianenko and Ricardo Arona defeated Mirko Filipovic and Wanderlei Silva by decision in Pride.
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Tonight 9pm ET/PT
UFC® Unleashed™ is a themed hour of the best fights, legendary fighters and previews of upcoming battles. One of the best battles of 2007, Wanderlei Silva vs Chuck Liddell will be showcased.
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UFC light heavyweight Wanderlei Silva will be returning to UFC action likely in December. “I’m talking with (UFC co-owner) Lorenzo (Fertitta). They’re talking about December because it is the best event of the year”, noted Silva on TAGG radio this week.
Source: MMAjunkie
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