This weekend former PRIDE star and current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will put his title on the line against fan favorite and winner of season one of The Ultimate Fighter, Forrest Griffin.

Under the main event is a stacked card featuring the likes of welterweight contender Josh Koscheck, a possible number one contender eliminator between middleweights Patrick Cote and Ricardo Almeida, lightweight stand-outs Tyson Griffin and Marcus Aurelio, and The Ultimate Fighter 2 winner Joe Stevenson.

Rampage vs. The Ultimate Fighter

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (28-6) vs. Forrest Griffin (15-4)

Jackson rose to prominence fighting in Japan in the now defunct PRIDE organization. Despite losing his debut with the organization to Kazushi Sakuraba, he went on a tear which included defeats of PRIDE 2000 Grand Prix finalist Igor Vovchanchyn, former UFC champions Kevin Randleman and Murilo Bustamante, and of course Chuck Liddell. From that point however it appeared as one of the most exciting and promising fighters of all time was on a downward slope. Jackson Following two impressive wins (including a vicious slam delivered to Ricardo Arona) he was once again knocked out by the Brazilian. “Rampage” won a split decision over former EXC champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua, but fans in general agree that that was one of the worse calls in the organization and that Rua should have received the W. The end was near as he lost a one-sided bout against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua which preceded uninspiring wins over Dong Sik Yoon and Matt Lindland – and like the “Ninja” fight many felt Lindland was the winner. Jackson then made his UFC debut against Marvin Eastman, winning a fight he should have more easily than he did. Since then he appears at the top of his game, with a knockout over Liddell and a five round decision over Dan Henderson. Suffered his first loss to former PRIDE champion Wanderlei Silva in 2003.

Griffin’s fame came following the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. In one of the most entertaining bouts in mixed martial arts history – and one of the most important as well, Griffin slugged it out with Stephan Bonnar for fifteen full minutes. The UFC tried to groom him for elite status by allowing him to defeat Bill Mahood and Elvis Sinosic, and then paired him up with Tito Ortiz. After a massive beating in the first round, Griffin turned things around and put himself in place for a win. The judges gave Ortiz the split decision, but Griffin’s fans – and even some of his detractors, believe he won the bout. Griffin then defeated Bonnar by decision again – although not in the same fashion as the first fight. On his way to a title shot he was derailed by Keith Jardine who knocked him out in the first round. Griffin returned a brand new fighter against Hector Ramirez, and most recently defeated the man once held as the uncrowned champion of the 205-pound division – Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. In a bout he was essentially set up to lose to give the PRIDE all-star a boost with the UFC audience, Griffin outworked Rua and sank in a fight-ending rear naked choke. Since then both Griffin and Rampage have appeared on The Ultimate Fighter as coaches.

Predictions:

Justin – “Rampage” enters this fight with the better striking, better wrestling, and more physical power. Griffin enters with infallible cardio, an unmatched work ethic, and a” never say die” attitude. This has the makings of a classic championship war. Griffin’s tenacity and heart will keep him in the fight, but look for “Rampage” to use his superior boxing and wrestling to pummel the original Ultimate Fighter throughout 25-minutes.

Dave - Griffin has a lot to gain in this fight if he can follow up his upset victory over 'Shogun' with a win over the LHW Champion. If you talk to anyone at Xtreme Couture's in Las Vegas; they all say the same thing. Griffin is the hardest working fighter in the gym. I think Forrest will use that tenacity and heart and push this fight to decision that he will win.

MAIN EVENT PREDICTIONS FROM OTHER FIGHTERS:

Kevin Randleman:

"I respect both fighters. I am not saying that Forrest is James Brown but he is definitely one of the hardest working fighters in the business. I think that Quinton Jackson deserves more press and respect than he has gotten so far because he has fought the warriors of MMA throughout his career and he is the Champion. I believe that ‘Rampage’ will win this fight by KO."


Randy Couture:

"Forrest is training at Xtreme Couture and he'll have a great chance against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. It is going to be a superb fight. Forrest has a warrior spirit and will get into the octagon and do his best performance. Both fighters like to stand-up, Forrest improved his Wrestling and his Jiu-Jitsu is good. Robert Drysdale and other Jiu Jitsu guys came to the team and helped him a lot. Quinton is an excellent athlete, has heavy hands, and he is explosive. These factors make the fight more attractive."

Elvis Sinosic:

"Rampage and Forrest is an interesting and exciting matchup. Many say it is the pinnacle of the LHW division, crowning the undisputed LHW Champion in MMA. Rampage brings his slamming banging skills against the new versatile better than ever Forrest. Rampage comes in to this fight after defeating Chuck Liddell (the UFC’s champion at LHW) and Dan Henderson (the Pride LHW Champion), Forrest comes in after defeating Shogun (considered the linear Pride champion after winning the Pride GP).

This fight will be a war. Both fighters have what it takes to bring this match to the later rounds (unless a precise heavy shot lands in the earlier rounds, though I think this will be unlikely). I see Rampage wanting to keep it standing to try hurt Forrest on his feet (even KO) then trying to finish with GnP. I think Forrest will look to use his new found stand up skills to try and get the match to the ground. I think Forrest may believe the Holes in Rampages game are still on the ground not on the feet. I feel that if Forrest tries to play the clinch game (where Rampage was beaten by Vanderlei Silva) he will leave himself open to getting taken down and GnPed. I think Forrest is much better on the ground and that Rampage has the edge on the feet with both skill and power. I think the fight will be decided by who can control where the match happens (boy isn’t this a common theme in MMA fights). I think Forrest has what it takes to get the match where he wants it. I predict Forrest by decision and even possibly a submission in the later rounds (most likely the rear naked choke). Saying that I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rampage take the fight by TKO at any point in the match due to the power he carries in his hands."

More Coming Soon!

Redemption

Josh Koscheck (10-2) vs. Chris “Lights Out” Lytle (25-15-5)

Koscheck, line many fighters on Saturday’s card, appeared on The Ultimate Fighter. Losing on the first season to eventual show winner Diego Sanchez, Koscheck entered mixed martial arts solely as a wrestler. He has since developed into a lot more, including a talented submission fighter, a brutal ground-and-pounder, and a sharp striker. After two professional bouts and losing on the reality show, Koscheck won his UFC debut by knocking out Chris Sanford. He then choked out dangerous striker Pete Spratt before losing for the first time professionally to Drew Fickett. Koscheck then picked up the most momentum of his career with wins over Ansar Chalangov, former UFC champion Dave Menne, Jonathon Goulet, and Jeff Joslin before heading into an anticipated bout with Diego Sanchez. Koscheck out-struck Sanchez for fifteen minutes in one of the more boring bouts of 2007. In place for a title shot, Koscheck then faced current UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre to become the official number one contender. In an astonishing change of roles St. Pierre outwrestled Koscheck and used ground control and ground-and-pound. Since the loss Koscheck has rebounded with a win over Dustin Hazelett.

Lytle has had a rocky career, but a change in attitude has made him one of the more dangerous fighters in the sport. Possessing a mediocre UFC record with wins over Tiki Ghosn, Ronald Jhun, and Jason Gilliam and losses to Matt Hughes, Matt Serra, Robbie Lawler, and Karo Parisyan; Lytle appeared destined for the second class shows. His second chance came on season four of The Ultimate Fighter where the winner would be given a title shot. In the finals he lost a razor thin split decision to Serra. After losing a lackluster bout to Hughes he picked up two one-sided wins before losing in one of the hottest bouts of last year because of a cut. Back with a new attitude he has smashed Kyle Bradley and looks towards stopped highly ranked Koscheck.

Predictions:

Justin – While it is no secret that Koscheck is a better wrestler, the same holds true for striking with Lytle. Koscheck should come out striking to show off his kickboxing, but once Lytle begins to connect instinct will kick in and he’ll shoot. Lytle is dangerous anywhere though, and despite a hyped boxing career most of his wins are by submission. Not only can he submit people but he also does so with unorthodox attacks which are difficult to prepare for. Lytle will look to bang it out, but he’ll be ready for the shot and to work from his back. Expect a battle of attrition with Lytle finally catching Koscheck and winning by TKO late in the third.

Dave - This fight is going to be a battle of styles and luck. Both fighters will be looking for an advantage on the ground and both fighters will also be looking to showcase their stand-up. Lytle will use his advantage in the stand-up and control the fight, in the process of which he will dictate the ground game. Look for Lytle to frustrate Koscheck in to making a bad decision resulting in a KO by Lytle in the second round.

Road to the Title

Patrick Cote (12-4) vs. Ricardo Almeida (9-2)

Looking for a shot at the seemingly invincible Anderson Silva, Cote finds himself almost unopposed in the striking department. Possessing serious power and excellent boxing, Cote has had a shifty career in mixed martial arts. After picking up steam in Canada he lost his first three outings in the UFC to Tito Ortiz, Joe Doerksen, and Chris Leben. Since then he has reinvented himself and earned his place as a contender. Rebounding with a second win over Bill Mahood and a victory over Jason MacDonald, Cote found himself on The Ultimate Fighter 4. Despite reaching the finals Travis Lutter’s jiu-jitsu came out on top. Since then Cote has won his last four. With the exception of a decision win over EXC middleweight contender Scott Smith, Cote has stopped each of his opponents in the first. Following stoppages over Jason Day and The Ultimate Fighter 3 winner Kendall Grove, Cote most recently stopped Drew McFedries in January.

Almeida returned to MMA explosive in February after a four-year absence from the sport. Beginning his career with a decision win over Akira Shoji in PRIDE, “Cachorrao” made his UFC debut in 2001 where he lost to Matt Lindland by disqualification. He came back to submit Eugene Jackson, but lost to Andrei Semenov. From there he moved to Pancrase where he won five in a row, including wins over former King of Pancrase Nathan Marquardt, Yuki Sasaki, Ikuhisa Minowa, and PRIDE’s 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix champion Kazuo Misaki. His career came to a temporary close after he defeated Ryo Chonan in PRIDE. In his triumphant return this year he tapped out Rob Yundt with a guillotine choke early in the first round.

Predictions:

Justin – This is the classic striker versus grappler match-up. Cote is clearly the favorite on the feet, but Almeida’s jiu-jitsu background is a force to be reckoned with. This fight comes down to who can dictate the setting for combat. If Cote can avoid takedowns look for his punishing fists to stop Almeida in the second round. More likely however is the possibility of Almeida securing a takedown and forcing Cote to tap out, either partway through round one or early in round two.

Dave - Almeida brings a clear jiu-jitsu advantage into this fight and will look for the takedown early and often. Cote's only hope is to keep the fight standing. If Cote can do that he will have a chance in the fight but look for the more ground experienced Almeida to take him down and submit Cote in round 1.

Climbing the Ladder

Tyson Griffin (11-1) vs. Marcus Aurelio (16-5)

Griffin earned a reputation as a tenacious wrestler with excellent cardio, good submissions, and brutal ground and pound in Gladiator Challenge. His biggest claim to fame at this point in his career is the fact that he is the sole fighter to defeat current WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber. Prior to joining the UFC he defeated former UFC contender Duane “Bang” Ludwig in Strikeforce. His UFC debut came against David Lee in 2006 – a bout which he won by submission early. His next fight was fight of the year candidate in his sole career loss to Frank Edgar. He put on another fight of the year performance against Clay Guida last June which he won by split decision. Most recently he’s continued winning, extending his streak to three, by defeating Thiago Tavares and Gleison Tibau.

Aurelio, like Griffin, also has a highly notable win on his resume – a submission win over former PRIDE all-star and champion Takanori Gomi. The American Top Team black belt began fighting in smaller shows in 2002 where he picked up wins over featherweight stand-out Masakazu Imanari, Rich Clementi, and Naoyuki Kotani. His first big break was a split decision loss to Dokonjonosuke Mishima in PRIDE, but he was able to pick up two wins in the organization to earn a chance to fight Gomi. In the fight Aurelio was clearly more well prepare, securing an arm-triangle choke and putting the champion to sleep. Riding high on the Gomi win he then lost to Mitsuhiro Ishida then lost a rematch with Gomi. In his UFC debut he lost to Clay Guida in August of last year, but has since won his last two, stopping Luke Caudillo with strikes and submitting Ryan Roberts in only sixteen seconds.

Predictions:

Justin – Griffin enters this fight with the superior wrestling and cardio, but Aurelio is easily the better submission fighter. Look for Griffin to throw bombs on the feet and shoot in for submissions where he will work his ground and pound magic. Aurelio will look to out-box Griffin and work submissions from his back, but expect Griffin to win this fight by decision, 30-27 on all three judges’ scorecards.

Dave - This fight has all the pieces of a chess match between two experienced fighters. That said, the fight will probably move like a chess match. Both fighters will try to minimize mistakes and take advantage of their opponent at any given opportunity. Expect a slow ground battle with alot of submission attempts by both fighters. Aurelio will win this fight by decision - a close one at that.

Rounding Out UFC 86

Joe Stevenson vs. Gleison Tibau

Justin – Stevenson comes into this fight off a championship loss to B.J. Penn in January. Tibau on the other hand lost to Tyson Griffin in February. Stevenson’s best shot is to use his wrestling and work for a submission, but Tibau is a formidable opponent. Look for Tibau to use his strength and size advantage to defend against Stevenson’s takedowns and use his boxing to earn himself the biggest win of his career by decision.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Justin McCully

Justin – After winning the biggest fight of his career against Mirko “Cro Cop”, Gonzaga has lost two straight – one to Randy Couture in a championship match and the other to Fabricio Werdum. Look for Gonzaga to work his hands and powerful kicks against McCully. McCully on the other hand knows that Gonzaga breaks under pressure and will push the pace, throwing punches into takedowns and working ground and pound to set-up submission attempts. Expect McCully to win by unanimous decision and throw himself into the list of contenders.

Melvin Guillard vs. Dennis Siver

Justin – After losing two-consecutive fights in the UFC and dealing with a suspension for the use of cocaine, Guillard enters Saturday’s fight with a win over a forgettable opponent. Trying to get back to the title picture, Guillard will look to use his explosive striking to finish Siver’s night early. Despite a 1-2 record in the UFC, Siver is no chump. Look for the German fighter to defend Guillard’s initial blitz, strike back himself, and take Guillard down where he will work ground and pound and expose Guillard’s submission defense.

Ben Saunders vs. Jared Rollins

Justin – Both Saunders and Rollins were seen on The Ultimate Fighter – and both lost on the show. Saunders hasn’t fought since he defeated Dan Barrera in December, but he’s been busy training with American Top Team. Look for him to use his size advantage to strike, and move into his submission game. Rollins shows on the show and in the finale that he has heart and is willing to go balls to the wall. He also showed he’s rough around the edges and not ready for top level opposition. While Saunders is not top level he is still a step up from Rollins and should win this fight easily.

Cole Miller vs. Jorge Gurgel

Justin – Yet another American Top Team fighter on Saturday’s card, Miler enters the fight following a brutal TKO loss to Jeremy Stephens in January. Miller, like Gurgel, is strong in jiu-jitsu, but will likely use his reach to his advantage and strike throughout the bout. Gurgel enters Saturday’s fight coming off a win over John Halverson. He is, however, one of those guys with unlimited potential but an inability to breakthrough whatever barrier is in his path when fight time comes. Look for another lackluster performance from Gurgel, and a dull decision win by Miller.