Main Event – Light Heavyweight Championship
Jon "Bones" Jones (c) defending against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
Background
There seems to never be a dull moment when Rampage is involved in a main event. What started as two elite light heavyweights with a shared hatred for "Suga" Rashad Evans has turned into a heated showdown with more than enough drama to make UFC 135 a must-see pay-per-view.
Rampage has accused Jones' camp of planting a spy within Jackson's camp. Jones claims that this is just Jackson playing mind games and that those childish tactics won't work. Rampage has vowed to "destroy" Jones and hand him his first legit defeat in the octagon.
Jones Argument
Coming off the most impressive win of his career, Jones is one of the most dangerous and talented fighters in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. His versatility and quickness was on full display when he took Mauricio "Shogun" Rua's title in March.
Jones is a matchup problem for every fighter he faces because of his unorthodox style and elite takedown ability. When you're on your back against Jones, it usually isn't long before you're either knocked out or the referee is dragging the champ off you. In fact, Jones ranks third in the UFC with a takedown success rate of 72 percent.
Jackson Argument
Rampage is one of the most successful light heavyweights in the history of the sport. Since entering the UFC in 2007, he has only lost twice – both by decision (Evans and Forrest Griffin) – and he is the former light heavyweight champion.
Jackson has top level standup and he is going to need it if he is going to knock out Jones like he claims he will. In most fights, Jackson would have the wrestling advantage, but not against the champion. Rampage will look to keep the fight standing up and try to knock Jones out.
Prediction
Although Rampage seems to be motivated for this fight, I think Jones is at the top of his game and just entering the prime of his career. Jones TKO in round two.
Co-Main Event – Welterweight Division
Matt Hughes vs Josh Koscheck
Background
The legendary Hughes was all set to take on Ultimate Fighter Season 1 winner Diego Sanchez at this event, but The Dream was forced to pull out due to injury. Enter Koscheck, who is making his first appearance since losing to the Welterweight Champion George St. Pierre. GSP dominated the former Buffalo Bulls wrestling coach and did so much damage with his lethal jab that Koscheck left the octagon with a broken orbital bone.
Hughes is coming off a quick knockout loss to B.J. Penn after winning his previous three fights. The end of the line has to be coming soon for Hughes, but he'd like to take out Koscheck before it does.
Hughes Argument
Matt Hughes' standup has never been his strong suit, but in recent fights he has started to look somewhat proficient on the feet. The problem facing Hughes in this fight is that Koscheck is better both in the standup and even grappling at this stage of both fighters' careers.
If Hughes can get Koscheck down, nobody can dispute how deadly the former champion is on top. Hughes' still has the heart to beat most, but the question remains if father time has passed him by.
Koscheck Argument
Nothing is more disheartening in the sport of MMA for a fighter than getting the long-awaited title shot, only to turn in a dud performance. Koscheck got manhandled against St. Pierre and that came after a lot of trash talk by the blond-haired welterweight.
Koscheck has a deadly right hand that is just itching to connect with the face of Hughes in this fight. Look for him to test Hughes in the standup and avoid the ground all together because of Hughes' proven ability to tap opponents out.
Prediction
Matt Hughes doesn't have enough left in the tank to beat a talent like Koscheck. Look for Josh to win by TKO in the third round.
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Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
Photo: Paul Hokanson / UB Athletics
