Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Rashad Evans Prediction Forthcoming: As a competing coach on TUF 10, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson lost as badly as someone can to Rashad Evans. Of course, coaching isn't fighting. And when you break their upcoming UFC 114 match up down, one question seems to burst into consciousness.
Which would you rather have, speed (Evans) or sheer power (Jackson)? By the way, it's a rhetorical question, as I already know my answer. Read on to find out what it is.
1. What Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (30-7) brings to the table
Rampage has excellent wrestling skills. He also has good technical striking skills, particularly of the boxing variety. But in the end, Rampage is about power. He's as strong as they come and hits like a truck. What's more, since PRIDE's fall he's really improved his conditioning and overall skill set.
When it comes to submissions, Rampage doesn't have much. But he sure does bring a lot of pain.
2. What Rashad Evans (14-1-1) brings to the table
Evans has top notch wrestling skills. He also fights out of one of the best camps in the world- Jackson's MMA in New Mexico- which has allowed him to improve from a good boxer on his feet to an excellent all around striker. But perhaps Evans' most impressive characteristics are his speed and athleticism. There are few people as athletic as him in the UFC light heavyweight division.
Like Rampage, Evans isn't much for submissions. Then again, he's never been caught in one, which translates to good submission defense.
3. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Rashad Evans UFC 114 Prediction
If Jackson connects on his feet, Evans may be in trouble. What's more, if he takes the top position on the ground, same deal. But in the end, Evans trains hard and is more technically sound than his adversary. What's more, he's much faster and has a more diverse striking game. This should allow him to move in and out of harm's way on his feet fluidly, gathering points as he goes. Evans is also a better pure wrestler than Rampage, which should allow him to avoid bad spots on the ground.
Expect Rampage to connect solidly on one or two occasions. But Evans should weather the storm and outpoint an adversary that has been trying to juggle acting and fighting careers.
Rashad Evans defeats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson by decision.
