Jackson Vs Jardine: Can the “Dean of Mean” handle the “Rampage”?
Jackson Vs Jardine: Can the “Dean of Mean” handle the “Rampage”?
By John Gagne
This Saturday we have a very intriguing match up in the UFC light heavyweight division. Keith Jardine is facing off against Quinton Jackson. If this fight doesn’t have the potential to be a slugfest I don’t know what does. A lot rides on this match. It may catapult Jardine to title contention. Which Jardine has already stated he will not fight his friend Rashad Evans current UFC light heavyweight champ. So this win may see the return of Jardine to the heavyweight division. Unless Lyoto Machida is next in line, and can knock off Rashad it doesn’t appear to be a great scenario for Jardine. We also have a chance for Jackson to gain his second title shot. I know the match up I want to see is Jackson vs. Evans.
There will be a few main factors that will help determine the outcome of this fight. The first being the ability for Jardine to confuse his opponents with his awkward and sometimes “herky jerky” style, if Jardine can do that it will be a long night for Jackson.
The second is Jackson’s sheer aggression. He comes out guns blazing looking for any way to win the fight except maybe a submission. If he can stay inside, push the pace and block Jardine’s low kicks I think the night looks good for Jackson.
The third is momentum, and both guys are coming off very big wins. While Jackson’s was much more impressive and propelled him much higher up in the light heavyweight division. Even though a win is a win, Jardine was not that impressive against a slipping Brandon Vera. If you base this fight on the last fights of each guy, hands down Jackson takes this.
Both of these competitors have the chance to put on a great show. But we have seen these guys perform worse than there capabilities on a few occasions. I would not put a win past either man, but Jackson just brings more to the table. Jackson takes the win via TKO in the fourth minute of the second round.
If you are looking to bet on this fight the odds are not very favorable for us. With Jackson being a pretty heavy favorite at -350. I would stay away unless you don’t mind putting up $1050 to make 300. I know my confidence in “Rampage” is high enough to take that, but is yours?