Today was a special day for the UFC Fans.
The first of the two marquee fights pitted Quinton Jackson against Ryan Bader. Jackson came in well over weight, so the fight was at a catchweight of 211 pounds. Bader entered the fight trying to put himself into the light heavyweight title picture with a win, While "Rampage" Jackson was hoping to pick up a victory in his return to Japan, which was the country where he first made a name for himself.
The first round entertained the audience through a lot of stand-up and clinching, with some posturing thrown in by Rampage for good amount. Bader did a lot of circling and moving, while Rampage was moving like a fighter who didn't make weight. Bader was not able to get a double leg takedown and the fighters injured up against the cage once again. In the last 10 seconds, Rampage did a big left hook but could not capitalize.
Round 2 opened with Bader continually lunging in with jabs, as Rampage would have answered by just missing with a monster counterpunch. Rampage landed a couple of body shots before lifting Bader and gave him a body-slamright on top of his head. Rampage also beat him up with some big knees and a body kick, but Bader managed a takedown and got into half-guard, scooting Rampage against the cage and going for ground-and-pound. Rampage made it to his feet, but Bader got his back and managed a takedown slam of his own. The round ended with Bader on top. The replays of the Rampage slam showed that Bader came very close to getting his neck broken.
Round 3 opened with Bader getting another big takedown and controll Rampage on the ground to seal the win. He tried for a kimura in the final moment of the fight but settled by referee for retaining control. Just before the bell sounded, Bader tried to hook in a guillotine but it was not necessary.
Bader picked up arguably the biggest win of his career to date via unanimous decision on scores of 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.
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