Yardbarker: Chuck Liddell

UFC 88 Fight Card Leaked

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:36:29 -0500

The UFC has lined up some good matches for the September 6th event. Chuck Liddell will face Rashad Evans in a match to see who will get the first shot at newly crowned Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin. Check out Rear Naked News for the rest of the card.

Rampage Jackson's Next Step: Bankruptcy?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:39:50 -0500

1. Overview : In less than two weeks, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has gone from the top of the world to inside a jail cell and out. As such, Rampage has : A. Lost his UFC light heavyweight title. B. Lost his freedom and possibly his driver's license. However, compared to what may happen next, A and B are nothing. Because if he doesn't watch out, Rampage has a good chance at : C. Losing his money. 2. The Brain Infection : Rampage is clearly letting the fame and bling get to his head. Two years ago, he was fighting in the World Fighting Alliance, which has since been bought out by the UFC. Then, in UFC 71, Rampage knocked out Chuck Liddell to become UFC light heavyweight champion, and proved his mettle once again by successfully defending his title against Dan Henderson in UFC 75. His consecutive wins against two of the world's greatest fighters sent him to the top of the world. Rampage's colorful personality and exciting fighting style always gave him a marketability. Now he had the big wins in the Octagon to prove it. As part of the fastest growing competitive sports organization in the league, Rampage's growth potential was nearly unlimited. However, it is only when you stay grounded and focused that you continue your success. 3. Don't be fooled : Losing his title against Forrest Griffin in UFC 86 didn't start Rampage's fall from grace. In fact, it was just a byproduct of something that was evident long before. When he was not underestimating his upcoming opponent, he was flaunting his "wealth" : ( On the surface, Jackson might come off as a spoiled star. Consider the $20,000 he spent on his Adronicus Mastiff puppy. Or the $110,000 Audi R8, complete with signature "Rampage rims," parked in the driveway of his rented log cabin. ) Rampage claimed he was "still the same guy," except three things : ( "I just dress differently, got more money and drive different cars." ) When he wasn't spending lavishly, he conjured illusions of grandeur, comparing his status to Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. : ( "I'm hoping for '$30-million-Oscar-De-La-Hoya cheese,'" he said. "I think if MMA was at the same level as boxing, why not be one of those $30-million fighters? If I was boxing right now, and I was a champion the way I fight, I'd be making that money. I think I'd be one of the De La Hoyas or [Floyd] Mayweathers." ) 4. The Remedy : What Rampage Jackson needs right now is a class in money management and a wise advisor in professionalism. Players in the NBA and MLB, guys who make money that make Rampage look like a homeless man, go broke due to their poor financial skills. Even NFL players, the lowest paid amongst major leaguers, make more money than Rampage. As the saying goes, infantrymen win battles; logistics win wars. If Rampage loses his title, then he can get it back by adjusting his training regimen. If Rampage loses his driver's license and has to spend some time in prison, he can get his freedom back with good behavior. However, once he throws all his money away on stuff that don't matter, he will wither away his entire support base (food, trainers, equipment, access) that made his stardom possible. You don't have to have the most money to be champion; but you do have to allocate the dough to the right places. You will definitely not become champion if you are starving. You will not be physically ready nor will you have the psychological and emotional morale necessary to become an elite fighter. 5. Our Best Wishes : Here's to hoping that Rampage heeds the lesson. We don't want him to become like the Raging Bull Jake LaMotta, all fat and slobby, doing his standup comedy routine in some seedy club somewhere.

Matches that NEED to happen: Rampage-Griffin 2

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:12:10 -0500

One of the great things about MMA is the endless list of possible fights. Even if two fighters aren't in the same organization, you can still stack them up and have a relatively good idea of how the fight might go or who would win. I decided I'm going to play match-maker and start a series on In the Cage of matches that need to happen. Some, like the first installment, will be re-matches, some will be fights that may happen in the future and others will be fights that will likely never happen for one reason or another. The first fight I will talk about is a re-match between current UFC Light-heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin and the man that he beat for the title, Rampage Jackson.

History: What is MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:48:44 -0500

The history and evolution of MMA to current date.

Quote of the Day: Mauricio Shogun Rua on Possible December Return

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:21:50 -0500

After a long layoff due to a ruptured ACL suffered in training for Chuck Liddell, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua weighs-in on a time-table for his return to the cage. He recently spoke with Tatame.

"My knee is very good, thanks to God. I was going to begin my hard train this week but I spoke to my doctor and he decides to make the exams this week. I have been doing Boxing and physical train, and I think next week I will return to the Jiu-Jitsu and gradually train more"

"I will train hard to face anyone. I had a defeat on my debut and I can't choose my opponent. It is not settle yet, but I expect to return on December, it's better for me"

Lets hope he comes back with a purpose, I would love to see a rematch with Forrest.

(Props Cage Today)

Dana White is afraid of Lyoto Machida

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:46:54 -0500

I've been accused several times of being a Dana White mark and writing for him. Although I am a fan of White and what he's done with the UFC, that is hardly the case. I have criticized him several times, most notably for being tight with the UFC's wallet when it comes to paying his fighters.

Rampage Will Contest Descision

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:59:49 -0500

Not as injured as first thought and trainer is contesting decision.

Quote of the Day: Lyoto Machida "I Think the UFC wants a Champion that Chuck Liddell can Beat"

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:48:51 -0500

Undefeated light heavyweight contender Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida was recently interviewed by TATAME News and had this to say about the light heavyweight title bout at UFC 86 between Forrest Griffin and Rampage Jackson.

"Look.. to me, Quinton beat Forrest, but they gave it to Forrest. I think the UFC wants a champion that Chuck Liddell can beat, so he can win the belt again.. he is an ex-champion, sells more and has more marketing."

Some strong words from The Dragon, who is looking for a title shot himself.

Lyoto Machida Comments on Grffin's Win

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:50:25 -0500

Lyoto sees the big picture!

Is Anderson Silva taking on too much?

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:07:46 -0500

Anderson Silva is widely considered one of the best fighters in the world. Most people consider him the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Silva is currently preparing to step-up in weight classes and try his luck in the light-heavyweight division while simultaneously defending his middleweight title. Is fighting in two weight classes for Silva too much and will it ultimately result in his downfall?

Rich Franklin vs Matt Hamill Set for UFC 88

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:53:10 -0500

MMA Rated first reported and more recently confirmed that Rich "Ace" Franklin will move up in weight to the 205lb light heavyweight division to face three-time NCAA Division III national wrestling champ and "The Ultimate Fighter 3" standout Matt Hamill.

Franklin makes the move after middleweight champ Anderson Silva, whom he was beaten badly by twice, made the same decision to move up to the light heavyweight division just a week or so ago. UFC 88: "Breakthrough" will take place at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA with a main event featuring Chuck Liddell vs Rashad Evans.

The 205lb. division, which was already stacked now has what many consider to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world in Silva and Franklin who many consider the best middleweight around besides Silva.

Who's the Baddest in MMA

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:35:55 -0500

This isn't about the top 10 best fighters in the world based on skill. It's the top 10 fighters you would want by your side when the s*!t hits the fan. Keep in mind that appearance is half the battle when a hairy situation needs defused. let's proceed with caution. 1. Chuck Liddell - He's big, has a mohawk, and a reputation for being pretty damn good street fighter. Is there another choice for number one? 2. Kimbo Slice - Kimbo is one of the most intimidating.................

The Anatomy of Forrest Griffin's upset victory over Rampage Jackson

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:11:32 -0500

Overview : Forrest Griffin displayed in his UFC 86 fight against Rampage Jackson that by fighting with a superior, disciplined battle plan designed to weaken his component's core and utilize his own strengths, an underdog can defeat a heavy favorite. Basically, Forrest Griffin masterfully executed his game plan of the following components to overcome Rampage Jackson via unanimous decision : 1. Leg kicks to shake Rampage's foundation : Every man's base are his legs, and even if you're a beast like Rampage, if you don't have your legs, your chances of winning are reduced dramatically. From the opening bell, Forrest Griffin went after Jackson's legs. Although, he had been knocked down by Jackson in the first round, Griffin's persistent leg-kicking had Rampage wobbly by the end of the round. In Round 2, Griffin unleashed his leg kicks full force, and his pain infliction on Rampage enabled him to take Rampage Jackson. He went for the standing guillotine choke, but when that didn't work, he went on top of Rampage, gained full mount and gave Rampage a steady dose of short range elbows, and almost submitted him. 2. A disciplined boxing game : The leg kicks allowed Forrest Griffin to take Rampage Jackson out of his game plan, but it was the boxing that allowed Griffin to give Rampage a steady dose of the leg kicks. Griffin continually pressed the action with his constant movement and one-twos. The combination of the pain in his legs and the chaos created by the constant movement and left-rights messed with Rampage's head and totally took Rampage out of the fight psychologically. Rampage Jackson ended up displaying very little of his action style that he displayed in knocking out Chuck Liddell and beating Dan Henderson. Instead of zigzagging, Rampage moved mostly back and forth, and occasionally moved side to side. He was unable to sustain any kind of rhythm, and he displayed none of his range-traversing fluidity. 3. Paying attention to the details of groundfighting : What sealed the deal for Forrest Griffin were the little details that he paid attention to in his grappling. Whenever he was taken down by Rampage, he clung to Rampage like a suction cup, so that Rampage could not pound him senseless. Also, in Round 4, when a failed triangle choke attempt from underneath could have turned him into another Ricardo Arona, he unbuckled Jackson's hold just in time so that he wouldn't be powerbombed full force. Summary : It is obvious from the way that Forrest Griffin fought that he thoroughly prepared himself to fight Rampage Jackson : Forrest shook Rampage's whole foundation with his painful leg kicks ; even though he knew he couldn't knock out Rampage with his hands, he never stopped moving his feet or throwing his one-twos. In turn, his hands set up more leg kicks, and more pain for Rampage. Forrest did take some hard hits from Rampage, but he didn't take so many that he would lose the fight. Even when Rampage took Griffin to the ground via knockdowns or takedowns, he did whatever he could to neutralize Rampage's strength and position advantage by sticking to Rampage like glue. Coming into the fight, Forrest Griffin had to fight the fight of his life to beat Rampage Jackson, who is as hot as any fighter in the UFC. Most people, myself included, didn't think Forrest would fight that fight, as chances of someone fighting that well aren't really high. But Forrest Griffin, just like he outgamed Shogun Rua, outdid Rampage Jackson, and is now the proud UFC light heavyweight champion!

A new King in the UFC

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:45:30 -0500

When Dana White and the UFC created The Ultimate Fighter reality television series, they could only dream that one of the fighters that won the show would one day being a World Champion for the organization. Matt Serra fought on the show, won it and eventually won a title, but Forrest Griffin became the first true competitor from the show to achieve World Champion status.

Previewing UFC 86: Forrest Griffin vs. Rampage Jackson

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:49:18 -0500

Forrest Griffin and Rampage Jackson are set to face off on Saturday night for the UFC Light-heavyweight title, but there is one thing that stands out about this match-up: unlike most fights lately, there isn't very much trash talk going on between the two men. This fight doesn't need it. Griffin and Jackson are two of the most popular fighters in the UFC and two of the most straight-forward fighters you will find. Unlike most fighters, Griffin is willing to concede is faults and where he is still lacking as a fighter. Jackson is pure entertainment and may cut the best interviews in all of MMA.