Lyoto Machida is set to go into UFC 123 as a heavy favorite but Quinton Jackson has more than a punchers chance in the Light Heavyweight main event. Most betting sites have Rampage as a 2 to 1 underdog but that may just be the motivation Rampage has been waiting for.
Machido’s style is unique and helped him skyrocket to the top of the weight class as he fought for and won the UFC’s Light Heavyweight Title. Rampage is known for his power punching and aggressive body slam take downs. Inside the octagon Machido’s tactical style has worked well in the past when matched up with more aggressive fighters, especially when those fighters have chosen to keep it on their feet and slug it out. In a pure striking contest Rampage will be severely out classed.The thing is If I know that, and the majority of betters out there know that, then certainly Rampage knows that as well.
Expect Rampage to come out pressing the action but only throwing punches to set up a take down possibly even one of his signature slams, but expect him to keep it on the ground as much as possible. Machida is a well rounded fighter but his ground game lacks the explosiveness of his stand up and leaves him open to punishment from Rampage.
In any case with Machida at 16-1 and Jackson at 30-8 both fighters have tremendous experience and will certainly come with a game plan that plays to their strengths. With Rampage as the more aggressive fighter his game plan will likely prevail and we could be looking at a major upset.
Looks like Rampage could be making a comeback. I thought Machida had it, but Rampage made the push and did it.