Date: September 24, 2011
Venue: Pepsi Center
Location: Denver, Colorado
UFC 135 Ticket Info
-Jon Jones (13-1; #1 Light Heavyweight)* vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-8; #4 Light Heavyweight)*†
-Diego Sanchez (23-4; #10 Welterweight) vs. Matt Hughes (45-8)
-Nate Diaz (13-7) vs. Takanori Gomi (32-7)
-Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto (18-4) vs. Damacio Page (15-6)
-Ben Rothwell (31-7) vs. Mark Hunt (6-7)
-Travis Browne (11-0-1) vs. Rob Broughton (15-5-1)
-Tony Ferguson (11-2) vs. Aaron Riley (30-12-1)
-James Te Huna (12-5) vs. Ricardo Romero (11-2)
Heading into next weekend’s UFC 135 in Denver, CO the light heavyweight division title is up for grabs and the fight has received mediocre fanfare but should really be watched as one of the most important fights of the year not only for the division but for the MMA current landscape as well.
Champion Jon Jones will be facing a serious test when he stands across from former champion, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and the fight possesses ramifications that will change the 205 lb division for sometime afterward.
Virtually undefeated with the exception of a technicality, the Jackson’s MMA prodigy has been an unstoppable and rising force since entering the cage in his early career. Decorated in wrestling, coupled with un-orthodox striking and a dominant reach advantage, Jones has run through every opponent he has faced and never really seen in any trouble. With wins coming by all directions (submissions, knock out and decision) he is truly well-rounded wherever the fight is taken.
Rampage Jackson has been a visible name and voice in MMA since his early fame in Japan, echoed by his dethroning of Chuck Liddell and outspoken (and humorous) personality. Differences between he and UFC brass almost had the Mississippi fighter walk away from Zuffa to pursue a Hollywood career, citing mainly he was tired of playing the part when UFC needed him and his desired title shot continually pushed back. Always willing to work with the boss, Jackson has since fought who he has needed and earned himself another title shot against a man he is confident he will defeat.
