"(Rampage Jackson) couldn’t be a better opponent and the date is great, too; it gives me time to prepare."

"I’m happy to be back and to prove I’m in the mix with the best of them. I’m working hard, I’m correcting a lot of things and putting a lot of effort in. I’m doing all aspects of fighting, the takedowns, ground fighting and striking."

"I feel (Rampage Jackson) is a bit limited standing, but he’s really strong and, although he may defend well on the ground, he’s not that good there, either."

"As I feel MMA is a sport in constant evolution, one tends to seek out all the possibilities, regardless of the facet of the fight that comes up. I’m going to exploit Rampage where he isn’t totally dominant. But I’m prepared for anything, whether it’s standing or on the ground."

"A fight between two former champions couldn’t be more fitting, two fighters who want their place in the sun."

Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida (16-1) -260
Loss Mauricio Rua - KO (Punches) UFC 113 R1
Win Mauricio Rua - Decision (Unanimous) UFC 104 R5
Win Rashad Evans - KO (Punches) UFC 98 R2

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (30-8) +215
Loss Rashad Evans - Decision (Unanimous) UFC 114 R3
Win Keith Jardine - Decision (Unanimous) UFC 96 R3
Win Wanderlei Silva - KO (Punch) UFC 92 R1 3:21