The Case for Rampage Jackson REBUTTED (response to Michael Rome)

Wanderlei Silva is no longer the invincible monster that went 17 fights without a loss before his High Octane fight with Jackson, and I don't think fighting Jackson again is going to bring that man back.

I could not disagree more. I think after his complete thrashing of a guy everyone has top 10, some even top 5 (Jardine) Wandy is as confident as he's been in along time definitely since the streak you mention. He's finally adjusted to the move to the states as well as fighting in the octagon. If the old Wandy is ever coming back the time is RIGHT NOW!

In 2003 and 2004, Jackson was scared to stand and trade with Wanderlei Silva.  His striking was powerful but basic, and he wanted to get Silva down.  I do not believe that will be his strategy this time.  His game has evolved to the point where he relies almost exclusively on his boxing superiority and punching power; I'd be shocked if we see him shooting for takedowns unless he gets badly hurt.

Anytime a fighters been knocked out MULTIPLE TIMES from one opponent (especially as brutally ktfo rampage got twice!) It will ALWAYS be playing into the psyche of the twice defeated fighter, no matter how much they know they improved! As far as Rampage "shooting for take downs" everyone would be suprised to see that seeing as he rarely if ever shoots for take downs; he relies almost exclusively on greco roman type upper body throws and uses more raw power instead of your common singles and doubles.

If Jackson can keep Silva in check and turn it into a boxing match, he will tear Silva apart.

If they were wearing 12 oz gloves and fighting under unified boxing rules Jackson would probably win, but this is mma not boxing! Wandy has the luxary of using his vicious muay thai including elbows and knees which Rampage is all too familiar with! Also the'll be using 4 oz gloves. Even though Rampage throws the straighter punches and more technical combos, and Wandy tends to throw loopier and more reckless, it only takes one of those loopier punches on the chin for Rampage to go to bed early on the 27th!

Jackson's boxing in 2008 is a lot cleaner than Silva's; he has more powerful punches, a much better left hand, far superior head movement,  and the ability to put together advanced combinations that Silva doesn't even attempt.  If Silva can turn it into a reckless brawl, then the advantage is his, but even then it is still essentially a tossup.

I agree with all except the last sentence. It won't still be "essentially a tossup" because if it turns to a balls out brawl Wandy has the big advantage their!

Wanderlei Silva has history and the intangibles on his side, but Jackson has the stylistic advantage.

I'm not too sure about that. Wandy has better muay thai kicks,knees,elbows etc. Rampage has better techical boxing. I think they hit equally hard but Rampage is physically stronger. Rampage has better takedowns and td defense, but Wandy is a black belt under the nog brothers in bjj. Stylistically they match up close and each have their advantages and different weapons to finish one another, The deal breaker could be camps though. Although the wolfslair is a more than respectful gym with capable athletes Xtreme Couture is on another level. The quality of sparring partners is not even close and that's not debateable!  Neither is the fact of how advantageous it is to spar with the world champion in your weight class! Especially when the champ took the belt from the guy your training to fight!

In 2008, I do not believe that in a fight where both men will likely stand in front of each other and trade until the other goes down that Wanderlei Silva will survive longer than Rampage Jackson.  I am picking Rampage Jackson via KO, round 2.

I think there will be a feeling out process but at sometime Jackson will be baited into going toe to toe and banging it out with Wandy. Brawling with the best mma brawler of our generation will in-turn cost Rampage the fight! I say Rampage goes up on the cards but gets KOed brutally late in the second and..... Wandy gets the hat trick! This is front page worthy so reccomend it people Im yet to get front page love and xmas is my birthday!