Rampage Jackson Won by Losing

by Michael Rome on Jul 7, 2008 6:56 PM EDT in News Comment 52 comments

Above all else, the main event at UFC 86 was an amazing fight. It may have even been the best light heavyweight fight ever. In the fourth round, for the first time, we heard a UFC crowd actually chanting for Rampage, and the crowd gave him a big ovation after the fight. I believe his days of being booed against homegrown UFC stars are over. He is too exciting to watch and too funny of a guy to hate, and I think the fans are finally on his side.

I fully believe he will come back from this loss stronger than ever. If he can beat Forrest in another great fight, he will establish himself even further, and will be ready for a run at the top as a popular UFC superstar, as opposed to the guy that beat Chuck Liddell.

Losing is obviously a setback, but I think it may have been even worse for him if he won a tight decision and got booed to hell by the crowd in the aftermath. I think he is now a legitimate draw and superstar after that fight, and I think the reaction to his next fight will show it.

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I Agree

Rampage’s status can only go up with his performance, my sentiments exactly. What Rampage has to focus on in the immediate future is getting Ibarra to stop complaining about the decision.

by Cmad77 on Jul 7, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good point. Nobody likes a sore loser.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 7, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There’s no reason he should stop Ibarra from complaining. The money in the rematch is in Rampage claiming he was robbed. It’s a great story for the match that will sell very well, even if they don’t believe it it is smart business.

by Michael Rome on Jul 7, 2008 7:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree that Quinton’s outrage at the decision is key in hyping the rematch (and, as Luke said, he didn’t seem all that outraged immediately after the fight) but if Juanito goes too far in pressing for “answers” with regards to the decision, who knows how it could affect future matchmaking or even decisions that Jackson may be involved in.

by Chris Nelson on Jul 7, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think if Jaunito keeps it up it can really hurt him. That fight really helped both guys I think. He needs to keep that attitude he had in the post fight interview. Both guys do actually. That kind of respect for each other can do nothing but help both guys and the sport.

by SplitBreast on Jul 7, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve always liked Rampage, and never really understood why there was any hate for him. I mean ‘cmon, the guy is a great fighter and he’s hilarious. Even my girlfriend who doesn’t care for MMA watched TUF because of Jackson’s personality.

Was it just because he beat Chuck twice? Cause if it is, that just seems silly. At any rate, I’d love to see Rampage rematch any one of the following again: Forrest/Liddell/Shogun/Silva. That’s all win,win,win,win!

by pud333 on Jul 7, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and by “win”, I mean a great match, not that necessarily he’d win the fight. heh.

by pud333 on Jul 7, 2008 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who hates him? :(

by mythbuster on Jul 7, 2008 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, wrong word. More like dislike. A lot of fans just never seemed to be on his side until now.

by pud333 on Jul 7, 2008 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok. :) I never seen anyone say anything bad about him. I see a lot of people like him.

by mythbuster on Jul 7, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, I finally just saw the fight (for the most part; the forth round was missing) anyway, from what I saw, the fight could have just as easily been called a draw. Rampage was really trying to finish it in the first round. His intesity seemed to drop off due to the leg injury, but the only time I saw Forrest dominate was the second round. That being said, the only fair thing to do is give Rampage a rematch, ASAP. No knock on Forrest, but there needs to be no doubt. I think that if Rampage had not gotten hurt in the second, that fight would have had a diffrent outcome.

by Cmad77 on Jul 7, 2008 8:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think that if Rampage had not gotten hurt in the second, that fight would have had a diffrent outcome.

I think thats kind of why Forrest used the leg kicks as a strategy ;)

by mythbuster on Jul 7, 2008 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

It’s time we stop acting like Rampage’s leg injury was an unfortunate accident. He didn’t slip and fall on the way into the ring. Forrest kicked him. It’s like saying “if Chuck hadn’t gotten that unfortunate knockout against Rampage, I think he would have won”. Anyone who watched Rampage and Silva had to see that leg kick would be a major weapon for Forrest. He used it to perfection, and I think that was the difference in the fight.

by jebushchrist on Jul 7, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was nowhere near the best Light Heavyweight fight ever. That distinction belongs to Chuck /Wand or Tito/Randy.

by godzillad on Jul 7, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Or…I dunno…Griffin/Bonnar?

by Beer Monster on Jul 7, 2008 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

Sloppy no-power slugfest does not make the greatest LHW fight ever.

by FRANKIE on Jul 8, 2008 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clearly Chuck/Wand is a contender, but at least this fight explored all areas of MMA, had near submissions, near KO’s, and actually was an amazing display of technical striking as opposed to the wild bar brawl style of Chuck and Wand.

Tito and Randy I don’t think is even remotely a contender.

by Michael Rome on Jul 7, 2008 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, since when has “Variety” been a criteria when it comes to judging what the best fight ever is? That really matters nothing.

Does the best football game ever have to have a good display of long range passes, hand offs, sacks, tackles, shovels, defensive walls, well designed jerseys, crowd decibel level, temperature, cheerleaders, commercials?

Come on Mr. Rome, just because this is a multi-dimensional sport doesn’t mean they all have to be explored in order to be considered the best ever.

by godzillad on Jul 8, 2008 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree….nice job Michael.

Kelvin Hunt

I'm like those boyz on the sidelines...cause I ain't playing...

by Tha Realness on Jul 7, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe a little too far...

Losing is obviously a setback, but I think it may have been even worse for him if he won a tight decision and got booed to hell by the crowd in the aftermath.

Crowds boo all the time and it’s not the end of the world. Losing the belt is a big deal though. You lose drawing power, talk show appearances, all kinds of opportunities, and there’s no guarantee Rampage will ever get that back. I’d rather get booed and keep the belt than be a popular loser, and I think almost every UFC fighter would agree.

by thetakeover on Jul 8, 2008 12:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope you’re right. I’m not sure what Quinton’s state of mind is right now, but I hope he stays positive.

by Popetastic on Jul 8, 2008 12:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i like Rampage’s personnalities . and i think no matter he wins or loses, his friends and fans will still stay by his side because of who he is!!!!!

by bong on Jul 8, 2008 2:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rampage will never be a big superstar here. Not like Chuck, Tito, Randy.

by MrNiceGuyMMA on Jul 8, 2008 3:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why not? I think a li’l explanation would help..

by Johann on Jul 8, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here’s the deal: Rampage lost a bogus decision and any true fan of MMA, not just UFC, knows that. But it happened, let’s be done with it.
Rampage is a popular figure in the MMA world and just because UFC fans don’t know him enough shouldn’t concern him, or his fans too much. It’s all about marketing in the UFC and the more crap I see like the decision on Saturday the more I look forward to other events like Affliction: Banned event coming up.
I appreciate what Dana White has done for the sport but it’s getting a little too WWE lately.
As for the fight overall, yes, it was a good one for sure. Not the best light heavyweight fight, but it was good and I will give both fighters props.
If you ask me, which no one did, Forrest didn’t deserve the fight… He did a good though but he’s UFC’s Golden Child and that’s why he wears the belt today no other reason. That’s the hard truth and Golden Child’s fans won’t like that

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This post...

makes me want to bang my head on the wall. Saying things like “a bogus decision and any true fan of MMA… knows that” is judging all of us, and frankly, you are simply incorrect. I’m a huge fan of MMA. I train jiu jitsu at a legit gym, I write about MMA issues for blogs, and I spend (far too many) chunks of my day reading about MMA in North America, in Japan, in England… And frankly, I – like many other educated fans here – don’t think it was a bogus decision or that Forrest won because he’s favoured. And I’m not even a fan of Forrest; I’m a huge Rampage mark, and openly admit it.

I scored the fight a draw. I understand how some people, using different criteria, could have Forrest winning the fight. I understand how other people, using different criteria, could have Jackson winning the fight. IT WAS A REALLY CLOSE FIGHT. THERE IS NOT ONE OBJECTIVE TRUTH HERE. We all saw the fight from our own subjective positions (Christ, I’m starting to quote Foucault…).

Which brings us back to the question: could this loss have helped Jackson? Well, time will tell on that. How he has responded following the fight – first humble, then increasingly aggressive – is a great sign. It shows that he’s not freeing himself from blame – as he shouldn’t, because he should have TOOLED Forrest with his athleticism, aggression, and power – but that he also wants another shot and isn’t content to calmly accept things as they stand. That could make for a GREAT follow-up fight, could provide the motivation he needs to recapture the belt, and could make him a household name. But it all depends on how he reacts.

And that’s what really matters: not what we think, or the UFC thinks, or the judges think, or even what Forrest thinks. It’s what happens in Jackson’s head and if/how that motivates him. Strangely, whether to his benefit or detrement, Jackson is now in the driver’s seat.

by AJB on Jul 8, 2008 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then bang your head

If “we all saw the fight from out own subjective positions” the what makes me incorrect?

You can go ahead an call yourself an “educated fan” all you want for reading and posting blogs but obviously you aren’t looking at what the majority of people out there have been saying. I will say though, I’m sorry I hurt your feelings because you felt “judged.” But don’t try to use me as a sounding board for your own opinions and (sorry) bogus psych theories. Had to say it.

The fact is the UFC creates hype and it gets into the heads of most of the people that watch it, including yourself. Then you go on a rant by how this is why and that’s what and I’m educated and look at me because if the UFC said so it has to be right.
Put in another fighter at random and see if the fight went how it did would it have ended up the same? Say for instance Rashad Evans, who’s fighting soon I know. I don’t think the judges would’ve given it to Evans. Forrest is Dana’s Boy… Why is it so hard to accept? It’s not a bad thing, it’s just what I’ve seen and heard and being so.

Anyway the point of what I was trying to say, which you completely missed was: GET OVER IT. IT HAPPENED AND LET’S MOVE ON. There will be plenty of other fights. Some as better, some not and hopefully from this point on none of them with “bogus” decisions.

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Four points:

A) You’re incorrect in assuming that all “true” fans believe like you do. I am a true fan, I disagree with you, ergo you are incorrect on that point. It’s not complicated.

B) I didn’t use psych theories. I used accepted social theories. You used psych theories by saying the UFC “gets inside people’s heads”, but you have no idea what is in my, or anyone else’s, heads.

C) The judges may be incompetent. The judges may be undertained. The judges may not have the advantage of a screen and see the fight obscured for long stretches. None of that is contentious. But to boldly say that the judges are influenced to call things are particular way is an accusation of outright collusion. That’s a serious charge for which you have NO evidence, and frankly, the more obvious explanation is usually the correct one: it was a close fight, plus the judges have well documented issues. That’s nothing to do with the UFC.

D) You’re clearly a troll, so I’m done with this.

by AJB on Jul 8, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

That was awesome.

I do apologize for hurting your feelings and making you so mad but it was worth it for the whole troll insult.

By the way I never said anything about the judges but it’s fine. You love being right so much you’re done with the “debate” when someone doesn’t exactly see it your way. Oh and I never used the word “all”. I just said any, and majority.

Obviously we have two separate points of view… Sort of. There really isn’t an argument on my side I just didn’t like how you pretend to be educated and thus feel your opinions matter most and when it all boils down you get upset and resort to name calling. (Haha, it was funny though)

I guess thinking differently is wrong. So where do I have to stand in line to get my branding and join the herd?

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The insults help your point.

Wait.. no they don’t. But hey, thanks for joining and throwing out the insults in the same day. The site needed more trolls.

by mythbuster on Jul 8, 2008 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're Welcome

I didn’t see any insults…. But whatever. you’re welcome. By the way I joined a while ago but when I tried to log in they didn’t recognize the password or my email address. I tried to email the site but figured creating a new account would be easier.

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, any true fan could see that. Guys like Chuck Liddell, Mike Whitehead, Mac Danzig, Gray Maynard, Pat Miletich, Ben Rothwell, Cole Miller, Alan Belcher and the various other pro fights quoted at Sherdog know nothing about MMA.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 8, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Son of a bitch. That should say “fighters” not “fights.”

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 8, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point. There were also fighters who believed Rampage one too… But if you read again I said majority of fans.
Maybe I didn’t communicate it properly or you guys took it wrongly but I never said all fans. That’s the last time I’ll explain that because it’s getting no where.

I love the hatred though. It stings…

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You rubbed off on me damn it.

That’s supposed to say “won” not “one”.

Wow…. I need to get out of here

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You originally wrote:

Here’s the deal: Rampage lost a bogus decision and any true fan of MMA, not just UFC, knows that.

Now you claim:

Maybe I didn’t communicate it properly or you guys took it wrongly but I never said all fans. That’s the last time I’ll explain that because it’s getting no where.

Unless English is not your first language, what you wrote means exactly the same thing as “all true fans would agree with me.” You said any true fan knows that Rampage lost a bogus decision. Since you said that you’ve repeated several times that you never said “all” and just said “majority” and you’re apparently frustrated that so many people read what you wrote and thought you meant exactly what you said instead of something you apparently meant to say but did not say. Very clearly suggesting that all “true” fans would agree with you (meaning that those who don’t aren’t “true” fans) is, pretty much, an insult to anyone who disagrees with you.

by Kierkegaard on Jul 8, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

They keep coming…

I’d like to thank you for clearing up what I thought I meant to think I said.

You’re absolutely right, I meant exactly what you think I meant. I mean, how could I not? You seem to know everything off the two sentences I wrote. Genius!

I love this. It’s a lot of fun seeing how so many people get offended by another’s opinion.

Who knows, maybe you guys aren’t true fans. Ever consider that?

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know what’s funny? When someone is caught saying something wrong/stupid and then instead of just admitting it and moving on he tries to act like everyone misunderstood him and that they’re all stupid because of it.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 8, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is that really what you think is funny?

I never said anybody was stupid nor do I think that. You assuming that does make me question your intellect though…I know you’re not a dumb guy which is why this surprises me.

What I said was my own opinion and what I personally think. I don’t believe it to be wrong and if you think it’s stupid then that’s your own opinion. Why would I not want to think a certain way because a few people think differently?

People have their own opinions, quite often actually, which is why a site like this can afford to stay afloat. Try not to forget that we have the right to free speech and someone (like myself) may come along and write something which you disagree with. That’s life and if you want to cry about it then I suggest you move back in with your Mom where she’ll protect you from the bad men.

This isn’t directed solely at you Richard, by any means and I’ll apologize now if it seems insulting that’s not my intention. This is meant for everybody, myself included.

by MGMMMA on Jul 8, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re still doing it. You made a very clear statement than denied making it. You might be able to pull that off if you’re talking to someone, but we can still see what you said earlier here.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 8, 2008 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doing what?

Get over it already. Seriously, I’m not changing what I said. Do you read?

by MGMMMA on Jul 9, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your “I didn’t say what I said” act is getting tired.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 9, 2008 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re not reading is getting old

by MGMMMA on Jul 10, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am not reading is getting old? I suspect you meant “My not reading is getting old.” Well, I am reading and what you have written has been a fun combination of butchering the English language, denying what you said, making outlandish statements and insulting people.

This place used to have a rather solid community of readers and the comments made for good discussion. Thanks to people like you, it is quickly going to shit. Thanks for helping to ruin what was one of the better places to discuss MMA.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 10, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops, I guess I made a typo… My mistake. I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to make one.

Please show me exactly where I “butchered” the English language(typos?), denied what I said, the outlandish statements and insulted people.

As for the second paragraph of what you said, so you’re saying since I’ve came on this site I’ve helped ruin it? Why? Because I think differently from you? Because I have my own opinions that may make you uncomfortable or you disagree with? Sorry but I don’t get it. For some reason you hold a grudge against me and it’s time to squash it. I have different opinions and you have to come to terms with that. It seems the others have accepted that so you should too.

You’ve tried arguing with me on just about everything I’ve said on this site so stop trying to make me the a*hole. I accept the fact that you think differently. In fact, I’m happy you do because that’s what makes you who you are.

What surprises me is that you are so unwilling to have new people join the site or make comments. I find that strange, especially from one who has his own blog.

I’m not sure what your agenda is or what your deal is either but if what you want is an apology then here goes: Richard, I apologize for offending you.

Does that make you feel better?

by MGMMMA on Jul 11, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m going to acknowledge that I read that, but I’m done responding to your nonsense.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 11, 2008 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nonsense?

I’m still waiting for proof of what you’ve been accusing me of.

Don’t be so mad… Lighten up.

Do you cry when an opponent puts up some sort of competition in any sport? I hope not, that wouldn’t be sportsmanlike if you did.

by MGMMMA on Jul 11, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So much for not responding. You wan proof? Read your comments and quit being so dense. You’re not “competition,” you’re an imbecile.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 12, 2008 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never suggested that I’m “offended” by anything you’ve said. And I have no idea what you actually meant to say. I merely pointed out that the first thing you said, that “any true fan” would think Rampage was robbed - the statement that started this whole ridiculous discussion with you - very clearly suggests that all true fans would agree with you. After that you kept suggesting that you don’t have any idea why people think that’s what you said and that everyone is “offended” by differing opinions.

If you have an opinion, fine—state the opinion. Everyone is entitled to opinions and differing opinions make sites like this great. But you didn’t say your opinion was that Rampage was robbed. You said all true fans would think he was robbed, even though a great many true fans around here think the result was the correct one. It has nothing to do with people thinking differently, free speech, or anything of the sort. It’s about the fact that you said one thing and then denied ever saying it and acted like you can’t understand why people are saying you did say it.

Frankly I don’t care if you ever just admit that you mis-spoke or whatever. So far not a single person around here has agreed with you in this discussion of what you actually said. I’m sure that doesn’t tell you anything, though.

by Kierkegaard on Jul 9, 2008 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It doesn't

Should I care if anyone’s agreed with me so far?

That’s the beauty of thinking…. You can do it for yourself.

Give it a try sometime.

And read the whole thing next time you want to make a response to it. Whatever people put on here, unless quoted or stated, is opinions.

I’m enjoying this “argument” or whatever but you have no point so please, let it go because whatever you think I said or meant to say or whatever is actually not what I wrote and it’s still up there for your review.

by MGMMMA on Jul 9, 2008 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs