UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
The two jawed back and forth on The Ultimate Fighter, now they get to settle it the old-fashioned way: in the ring, err, cage.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson takes on Forrest Griffin in the main event Saturday night of UFC 86. In boxing, the adage is styles make fights.
Well, the same could be said to a certain extent in MMA. And boy oh boy, do these styles complement each other beautifully. I really can’t see a way in which this isn’t an all-out explosive war between two of the top light heavyweights in the world.
You see how I said “two” of the top? That’s part of the beauty of MMA. The top guys normally fight each other in a reasonable amount of time. Sure, there are always cases of things not coming, but it’s not like waiting years for some boxing matches to occur. End rant.
Griffin has been in a number of wars, normally bloody, always entertaining. And Rampage vows, “It ain’t going to the judges.” What more could you ask for?
Conventional (and Boneman) wisdom would say if it’s Jackson, it’s by KO. If it’s Griffin, it’s by submission. I just don’t think you can try to throw in a new wrinkle this late into the game. This is arguably the biggest fight for both men, don’t get cute now. Do what you do.
Experts were polled in the latest edition of TapouT magazine (a great read, by the way). The majority who would go on record picked Jackson. But most of them were in the too close to call, but it’s going to be great area.
Jackson is one of the few fighters to make that move from PRIDE to the UFC and be successful. I thought there would be a huge war b/w the two groups when they merged. But it’s not much of a war when the UFC is handling its business the way it has.
Griffin is 15-4 while Jackson is 28-6. Jackson has fought the who’s who in the MMA world while Griffin has been a quick learner since his days on TUF. Both men have great chins and can withstand enormous amounts of punishment.
Yeah, I know I’m prob not telling you anything you don’t know. But that’s kinda how I see this fight. You know what’s going to happen, it’s all on the table. No ace up a sleeve here.
I like Jackson. I’m leaning toward by decision, but I’d love a KO. That’s always more satisfying.
Official Boneman Prediction: Jackson def. Griffin.
Note: I’ll be on vacation back home in Ohio the next couple of weeks. Hey, if something cool happens, I’ll post. If not, may lay low for a while. Appreciate the support and get ready because when I come back, I’ve got some big MMA/Boxing stories on the way for both The Oklahoman and the blog.
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