Returning to where he was once a major star in the world of MMA, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will reportedly be facing off against former collegiate wrestling standout Ryan “Darth” Bader at UFC 144.
Bader (13-2) used UFC 139 to add a spark back to his career, and notch his first win of 2011. The two-time All-American wrestler was once considered a highly-ranked prospect within the light heavyweight division. However, after suffering back-to-back losses to Jon Jones and Tito Ortiz in quick or one-sided affairs, that quickly changed. But at UFC 139 Bader was able to knock Jason Brilz out in less than two minutes, and return to winning ways in spectacular fashion.
Jackson is seeking his own return to winning ways after suffering a vicious beating at the hands of Jones in their fight this past September. Jackson was unable to land any attacks worth mentioning during his fight against the current champion, and was stopped by submission for only the second time in his 12-year career. In falling to the current champion, Jackson finds himself in a position where he will not receive any title shots for an extended period. Instead he will have to serve as a “gatekeeper” of sorts, fighting individuals who are looking to blaze a path towards the 205 belt. Bader is in such a position.
Looking at this fight, it is easy to consider Jackson the favorite. He has the experience and the counter-punching ability to put away nearly any opponent that stands across the cage from him. Bader, on the other hand, is a very solid wrestler who will be looking for the takedown early in this bout. While against Brilz it seemed like Bader’s standup abilities had greatly improved, one has to question whether they have improved enough to allow him to stand in front of Jackson. Jackson has also displayed defensive wrestling abilities, but in recent years he seems to have strayed away from those tactics, even when using them would improve his chances in a fight.
UFC 144 is set for February 26, 2012 in the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The entire card has yet to be announced, but currently rumored fights include Frankie Edgar versus Benson Henderson, Cheick Kongo against Mark Hunt, and Hatsu Hioki versus Bart Palaszewki.
