411's UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson Roundtable Preview

Posted by Caleb Newby on 05.25.2007

411mania's stable of MMA experts are back in action previewing UFC 71 from top to bottom, from Gouveria and Marerro to Liddell and Rampage!

Welcome to another volume of 411mania.com's roundtable discussion. Let's get right into it with our ever growing staff of talented MMA writers! Why so little introductions and conversation? Too much typing from me already today has be worn down. On to the preview!


Carmello Marerro v. Wilson Gouveia


Lotfi Sariahmed: Everytime I think of Carmelo Marrero I shudder a little bit. Why? Because I was and still am a big Cheick Kongo fan. Then Marrero took Kongo down again and again and again and again on his way to a split decision victory at UFC 64. Then Marrero showed he was really nothing more than a glorified wrestler when he lost to Gabriel Gonzaga by armbar at UFC 66. While Gouveia hasn't been incredible, he's better than Marrero. Gouveia also had a shot to steal a win from Keith Jardine in their last fight. So Gouveia takes this fight and both fighters will continue to toil in the prelims.
Winner: Wilson Gouveia by Decision

Morgan Marx: A pretty solid match-up between UFC veterans. Marrero has the heart, Gouveia the talent. Even with the size advantage, I think Gouveia will take this one.
Winner: Wilson Gouveia (Unanimous Decision)

Bren Oliver: Both of these guys possess decent talent to where this almost reads like a televised Fight Night bout as opposed to a UFC dark match. Marrero is 1-1 in the UFC, but it's hard to blame him considering the level of opponent he's faced (Cheick Kongo and Gabriel Gonzaga). Gouveia has had a little more success and trains with American Top Team. I'm assuming Marrero is dropping down to 205 for this fight. I think it's a toss up, but I'll give the slight edge to Marrero. I think Gouveia may have some trouble with his strength.
Winner: Carmelo Marrero, (Judges' Decision)

Don Abato: Marrero barely beat Cheick Kongo(I wish I never watched that fight,) so I'll go with Gouveia.
Winner: Gouveia, Arm Bar Round 2

Matt McEwen: This fight will mark Marrero's 205 lbs debut after being quickly dispatched by the much larger Gabriel Gonzaga in his last fight. Normally, I'd say that would give Marrero a big strength advantage, but even coming down a weight class he still will not be that big. His main issue with Gonzaga - and even with the much less skilled Cheick Kongo - was submission defense, and that will be an issue here as well. Gouveia is a BJJ black belt, who also has no problem standing, as he showed early in his fight against Keith Jardine.
Winner: Wilson Gouveia, Submission, Round 2

Ken Kobel: In his last fight, Carmelo Marrero was submitted by Gabriel Gonzaga in the first round. Similar to Gonzaga, Marrero's opponent Wilson Gouveia is a BJJ black belt which could be a problem for Carmelo. Gouveia is now 2-1 in UFC competition and in his only loss he put up a solid fight against Keith Jardine before eventually gassing and losing a decision. Gouveia is the better striker and has better submissions. Despite being the better wrestler and dropping to 205, Marrero will come out on the losing end of the stick in this one.
Winner: Wilson Gouveia, Submission, Round 2


Jeremy Stephens v. Din Thomas


Lotfi Sariahmed: I saw what Din Thomas did on season 4 of The Ultimate Fighter and I knew he had a decent showing in the UFC before going on the show (He was 2-2). But I just didn't expect him to beat Clay Guida his last fight. Guida is a fast fighter who always pushes the pace and I just didn't think Thomas would win that fight. But with that win under his belt what's next for "Dinyero?" Jeremy Stephens won't pose a threat to him here but I'll be interested to see what the UFC does with Thomas next.
Winner: Din Thomas by TKO in the 2nd

Morgan Marx: I always forget that as experienced as Thomas is, he's still relatively young. Though the lightweight division is brimming with talent, a win might set up Thomas with a match against a more prestigious opponent. Thomas has been in there with the likes of Pulver and Penn; a UFC debutante shouldn't trouble him too much.
Winner: Din Thomas (Submission, Rd 2)

Bren Oliver: Stephens has a very respectable record and is making his UFC debut. Thomas is riding a 2-0 streak since returning to the UFC via the Ultimate Fighter Comeback. I thought Thomas actually had the most potential out of guys on the show while watching it and he has faced some staunch competition throughout his career. I think Stephens, who is a good fighter, will show up a little wide-eyed as many UFC virgins do.
Winner: Din Thomas, (Submission), (2nd Round)

Don Abato: Why in the world is Din Thomas not part of the pay-per-view card? Who in the world is Jeremy Stephens? Does it matter how Din wins this?
Winner: Din, flying arm bar Round 1

Matt McEwen: I've always been curios why the UFC throws promising young fighters to wolves in their first fights so often. Of course, some times they surprise us.....just ask Jens Pulver. In this case, Stephens is a surprisingly experienced 20 year old who has been training MMA since he was 16 and has shown good all around skills. Thomas, on the other hand, is a massively experienced 30 year old who has fought a who's who of 155 pounders, including holding a win over welterweight champ Matt Serra. We'll find out a lot about Stephens in this fight, if he lasts long enough to show anything.
Winner:Din Thomas, Submission, Round 1

Ken Kobel: In what could be a very exciting fight, UFC veteran Din Thomas will square of against newcomer Jeremy Stephens. After defeating Clay Guida in his last fight, Thomas is probably about one victory away from the main card and will need to utilize his well-rounded skills to get the win here. Six of Stephens's eight wins have come by TKO. Jeremy has heavy hands in his stand-up and GnP. While Stephens doesn't have the experience of Thomas he will come to this fight hungrier and will win the stand-up battle. When Thomas tries to take this to the ground he won't have the energy to do so. Stephens will pick him apart and score the upset.
Winner: Jeremy Stephens, TKO, Round 3


Sean Salmon v. Alan Belcher


Lotfi Sariahmed: I feel bad for Sean Salmon really I do. If you don't know what happened to Salmon allow me to be the first to welcome you back from the rock you were living under. Salmon made his debut in the UFC against Rashad Evans and what a debut it was. He will forever be remembered as the guy who had his head kicked into the 10th row and on the wrong end of a brutal knockout. No one will ever remember that Salmon might have actually won that first round in that fight. Now he faces Alan Belcher who came into the UFC on a seven fight win streak but has lost two of three since then. I think Salmon will win the fight because after getting knocked out like that, karma has to count for something right? Salmon will become a less talented version of Renato "Babalu" Sobral. He'll start a nice win streak here knocking out Alan Belcher with...a head kick.
Winner: Sean Salmon by headkick in the 2nd

Morgan Marx: It's easy to forget that before being KO'd by the second-best high kick of the year, Sean Salmon was giving Rashad Evans fits. And it's telling that Salmon's biggest regret about his UFC debut is not the way he lost, but the fact that Evans twice got back to his feet after a Salmon takedown. Belcher is a talented fighter, but he's coming off a rough loss and took this fight on short notice. It's Salmon's chance to show his wrestling skills belong in the octagon.
Winner: Sean Salmon (Unanimous Decision)

Bren Oliver: Who can forget Sean Salmon? Perhaps you can't place the name but I think his bell being rung will ring a bell. Think Rashad Evans' headkick. However, up to that point in the fight it was fair to say Salmon was winning and Evans is no joke. Belcher
also has a highlight loss on his career, submitting to a very sweet choke courtesy of Kendall Grove at UFC 69. Both these men look to redeem themselves, as well as take a step away from potentially getting axed. It is truly a "must win" for each individual involved. But as they say, two men enter...
Winner: Sean Salmon, (Submission), (3rd Round)

Don Abato: Regardless of who wins, if we see another flying crane kick we all win!
Winner: Salmon, Split Decision

Matt McEwen: I love fights where two guys are fighting for their UFC careers. Salmon showed some very good wrestling skills and some decent stand up (jumping kicks aside) in his UFC debut against Rashad Evans, but ended up on the wrong end of a highlight reel KO. That effects different fighters in different ways. He also showed a lack of stamina as he gassed before getting nearly decapitated. Belcher, on the other hand, is coming of two losses sandwiched around a win, but was dominated by middleweights Yushin Okami and Kendall Grove. How moving up a weight class is going to improve that situation, I'm not sure. I'll give him credit for taking the fight on 10 days notice though.
Winner: Sean Salmon, Unanimous Decisions

Ken Kobel: The last time we saw Sean Salmon he was unconscious on the ground as Rashad Evans gave a post fight interview. The thing that people forget about this fight is that Salmon won the first round and looked pretty good minus his absurd flying crane kick and tendency to carry his hands at his side (a tendency that nearly got him decapitated). Sean is an excellent wreslter who now trains at Jorge Gurgel's gym which is going to be great for his ground game. Alan Belcher is coming off a humbling lose to Kendall Grove and he is about to lose another. Alan has much better striking than his opponent but there is not a chance in hell that he will be able to stop Salmon's takedowns. Sean will wrestle his way to his first UFC victory in his 185 pound debut.
Winner: Sean Salmon, Decision


Thiago Silva v. James Irvin


Lotfi Sariahmed: I love this fight, just not in the fight fan kind of way. Thiago Silva is the new craze among "hardcore" fans in various MMA forums. He trains with the famous Chute Boxe team out of Brazil and has a 9-0 record going into his UFC debut. But he faces one problem. James Irvin is going to win in some outrageous fashion. He beat Terry Martin by knockout due to flying knee. Then at UFC 65, Hector Ramirez was giving Irvin all he could handle...that is until Irvin nailed Ramirez with what I believe was a right to the head that once again came out of nowhere. So sure, Silva might be the smart money, but Irvin is going to win. I don't know how, I don't know when, but he'll win and it'll be absurd.
Winner: James Irvin by flying triangle choke in the 3rd

Morgan Marx: James Irvin is a likeable fighter with a ton of athletic potential. It's easy to get behind a guy with a penchant for exciting fights. And while it would be great for Irvin to get a couple of wins in a row and move up the rankings, he's facing a fighter with an impeccable resume. Thiago Silva trains with some of the best (Chute Boxe), finishes almost everyone he has faced, and seems hungry to prove himself. The only question mark is whether he has faced a truly talented opponent. Irvin will be a good test.
Winner: Thiago Silva (KO, Rd 2)

Bren Oliver: I have a feeling this match could deliver some fireworks. Both these guys are known for letting their hands, and knees, fly. I wouldn't be surprised if it makes the televised portion of the card. Silva is making his UFC debut but is undefeated outside of the Octagon, most recently competing in a Pancrase event. He's out of Chute Box in Brazil so I think it's safe to say he'll be prepared. I think he'll also be successful.
Winner: Thiago Silva, (TKO), (1st Round)

Don Abato: It's awesome to see Chute Boxe back in the Octagon. No stomps, no soccer kicks, no problem. Silva is a finishing monster. Irvin is willing to bang. I'm on verge of a tantrum. Air this on the pay-per-view darnit!
Winner: Silva, KO Round 1

Matt McEwen: I like James Irvin. I really do. He might not be one of the elite light heavyweights, but he is one of the most exciting. He's a threat to win almost any fight due to his penchant of one strike KO's, but this isn't any fight. He might be making his UFC debut, but Chute Box product Thiago Silva is the real deal. A great striker who remains calm at all times and has a rare killer instinct, Silva has a chance to make an explosive debut here.
Winner: Thiago Silva, KO, Round 1

Ken Kobel: Highly regarded Chute Box prodigy Thiago Silva will make his UFC debut and wouldn't you know it – the kid likes to strike. On his unblemished 9-0 record, 7 of the wins have come by TKO. James Irvin is probably the perfect opponent to give him because ‘Sandman' will stand there and bang. This could be an entertaining fight but I give the edge to Silva based mainly on his pedigree and the fact that James Irvin probably wouldn't even be in the UFC anymore if it weren't for the fluke flying knee he landed on Terry Martin. The fists will be flying in this one so if that is your scene cross your fingers for allotted time at the end of the PPV.
Winner: Thiago Silva, TKO, Round 1


Chris Leban v. Kalib Starnes


Lotfi Sariahmed: So Chris Leben can't wait to get out of his contract because he wants to get paid and he might go to ICON and fight. Ok...Leben had his chance on the big stage and got decimated at the hands of Anderson Silva. Then after beating Jorge Santiago by knockout in the 2nd round, he lost to Jason MacDonald by guillotine choke at UFC 66. So now he might be going to ICON to fight once his contract is up? Why is this news? I'm a bit indifferent to the whole thing. If he stays with the UFC fine, if he doesn't it's not a big deal either. Starnes wins this fight anyway by decision.
Winner: Kalib Starnes by decision

Morgan Marx: Both of these TUF alums seem to have peaked in the UFC. Leban is talented, but not quite on the level of other title contenders. Starnes has faced adversity since appearing on the third edition of the realty show and has yet to show his true ability. While Leban has the better stand-up, he's giving up 4 inches to Starnes, and might have trouble working on the inside. If Starnes takes it to the ground, he should pound out a victory.
Winner: Kalib Starnes (Decision)

Bren Oliver: Another fight with the potential for pyrotechnics! I think Starnes is an underrated fighter and he has a well-rounded skill set. Leben is known for his heavy hands and reckless abandon. If Starnes is able to take it to the ground I like his chances, though I would expect to see Leben pass out or endure a torn ligament as opposed to tapping out. If it stays standing then I think "The Crippler" will be putting Starnes into la-la land. I think his defense will be strong enough and that's going to make the ultimate difference. Picking a winner is easy compared to this next question: What will Leben's
hair look like?
Winner: Chris Leben, (KO), (2nd Round)

Don Abato: Canada vs Leben part III. Leben will expect to see more of what Jason Macdonald offered than what Jason Thacker presented. The real winner, all the dry beds in Las Vegas that weekend.
Winner: Starnes, Split decision

Matt McEwen: I'm not a huge fan of either of these guys. Leben has been exposed as a pretty one dimensional fighter who is easily outclassed on the ground. Starnes, while a pretty good submission grappler, has shown a penchant for giving up on fights, whether it be his "broken rib" against Kendall Grove or against the stronger Yushin Okami. And while he's a Canadian, I have a feeling he'll crumple after feeling Leben's power.
Winner: Chris Leben, TKO (Strikes), Round 2

Ken Kobel: Chris Leben is at a crossroads of his career right now. A loss here will almost assuredly send him to the prelims. As for Starnes, there were high expectations for him after TUF 3, but a loss to Yushin Okami has sidetracked his climb up the ranks of the 185 pound division. This fight has a huge contrast in styles. Look for Leben to try to keep this standing at all costs. Starnes is a good wrestler and will be able to get this to the ground after Leben exposes himself with one of his trademark reckless abandon flurries. Kalib's heart has always been a question mark though so if he doesn't finish the fight and Leben gets it back to the feet the Canadian could get discouraged easily. In the end I think Starnes will take it.
Winner: Kalib Starnes, TKO, Round 2


Houston Alexander v. Keith Jardine


Lotfi Sariahmed: Keith Jardine is a light heavyweight built like a MAC truck. He dominated Forrest Griffin in his last bout scoring the win by TKO in the 1st round. He'll be going from the underdog in that fight to a huge favorite against Houston Alexander. This fight is the UFC's way of protecting a potential title contender in the division. Jardine wins by KTFO.
Winner: Keith Jardine by KTFO in the 1st

Morgan Marx: Allegedly, it was difficult for UFC officials to find an opponent for Jardine. That Houston Alexander stepped up and took the fight says a lot about his mentality. However, this should be a walk through for Jardine. Coming off a surprising upset of golden-boy Forrest Griffin, Jardine has proven himself to be one of the UFC's most dangerous light heavyweights. Alexander is 35 and has never faced someone of Jardine's caliber.
Winner: Keith Jardine (TKO, Strikes, Rd 1)

Bren Oliver: This is likely the easiest pick of the night which likely means I'll be horribly horribly wrong. Jardine seems to continually be improving and has some of the sickest leg kicks around. He trains with Greg Jackson and some of MMA's
best in New Mexico. He's in the short line for Light Heavyweight title contendership. Houston Alexander...he um...yeah...
Winner: Keith Jardine, (TKO), (1st Round)

Don Abato: Take your pick of bad puns. Houston, you have a problem. Alexander will get conquered. It pretty much breaks down like this: UFC first timer + The Dean of Mean = mismatch. Coach Greg Jackson's fighters are no joke. Keith is gonna make you sweat.
Winner: Jardine, KO Round 2

Matt McEwen: I don't know a thing about Houston Alexander other than that, at 35, he's no spring chicken, with 7 pro fights he's not too experienced and that he has a really cool name. I do know that Keith Jardine - aside from having the worst nickname in the sport - gets better everytime I see him and is one tough bugger. A win here keeps his momentum going and probably lines him up for a run at the top of the LHW division.
Winner: Keith Jardine, KO, Round 2

Ken Kobel: Since defeating Forrest Griffin, the Keith Jardine bandwagon has picked up a lot of passengers. I am not one of them. I think he legitimately lost the Bonnar fight (watch it again), he was losing to Gouveia before Wilson gassed, and he was losing to Forrest before catching Griffin with the combo that ultimately ended the fight. I'm not saying Keith is not a solid fighter or taking anything away from his last 2 victories but talks of title contention are way off in my opinion. As for this fight, it is the definition of a trap fight. Jardine is coming off the biggest win of his career and they are putting him up against the unknown Houston Alexander. I really have no basis to go against Keith other than the fact that this fight has potential for a letdown. But hell, you only live once.
Winner: Houston Alexander, Decision


Josh Burkman v. Karo Parisyan


Lotfi Sariahmed: It seems like the UFC can match up almost any two guys in its welterweight division and it would have at least a co-main event. While it's a big fight for both guys I think it's a more dangerous fight for Parisyan. He's already lost to one of the top fighters in the division in Diego Sanchez. Couple that with how crowded the division is and if he loses another big fight like this he might end up being a gatekeeper as opposed to someone with a legitimate shot at the welterweight belt. As long as Burkman doesn't get blown out of the water he'll get another shot at a big fight. I'll take the experience here and go with Parisyan. Burkman's biggest fight to date has been a loss to Jon Fitch. His biggest win...Josh Neer? Maybe?
Winner: Karo Parisyan by TKO in the 3rd

Morgan Marx: Like many fans, I think this fight has the potential to be the best on the card (yes, even better than Rampage v. Liddell). As much as I love Karo, he needs to show he can finish a quality opponent. Though at times Parisyan has outclassed fighters like Diaz and Sanchez he can't keep leaving outcomes up to the judges. Josh Burkman has stated he won't be playing things safe, so it's up to Karo to step up and take him out. Jon Fitch submitted Burkman, Karo can too.
Winner: Karo Parisyan (Submission, Rd 3)

Bren Oliver: I'm most excited to see this fight outside of the main event. Both these guys can bring it in the ring. Parisyan was absolutely robbed of his earned title shot and is now stuck in Welterweight limbo. He will probably have to beat Burkman and another opponent before getting another legit chance at the gold. I think Burkman is a good fighter, but he's not on Karo's level in any way other than maybe cardio. One thing I do question about Parisyan though is his ability to finish matches. At least he keeps them exciting and this should be no different whether it goes one minute or fifteen.
Winner: Karo Parisyan, (Submission), (3rd Round)

Don Abato: I'm feelin' the Heat, and it aint cuz summer is almost upon us. Maybe Josh can get a crack at Phil Baroni after this one. Oh, wait a minute...
Winner: Karo, Majority Decision

Matt McEwen: I think Karo is just about my favorite fighter right now, as all his fights are pretty exciting. I haven't seen a bad Josh Burkman fight either, which gives me high hopes for this one. Burkman has a slight edge in wrestling and has cleaner standup, while Karo has better submissions and is the more powerful puncher. This is the one fight I really want to see Saturday night.
Winner: Karo Parysian, Unanimous Decision

Ken Kobel: The funny thing about Karo Parisyan is it seems like he has been in the UFC forever fighting top contenders, and yet he is only 24 years old. The winner of 5 of his last 6 including a win over Welterweight Champion Matt Serra, Karo always seems to be knocking on the door of a title shot. In order to stay in line he will need to defeat Josh Burkman which he should be able to do. Burkman will try to use his wrestling but I think Karo will be too strong. There will no doubt be some excellent judo throws delivered by Parisyan and once on the ground he will be able to deliver some GnP from the top. The longer it goes the more it will favor Burkman given the history of Karo's cardio.
Winner: Karo Parisyan, TKO, Round 2


Terry Martin v. Ivan Salaverry


Lotfi Sariahmed: I'm glad Ivan Salaverry is back. The middleweight division could always use another solid fighter. It's a division without too much depth. The prime example of that is Terry Martin. He moved down from light heavyweight and knocked out Jorge Rivera in 14 seconds in his first fight at 185. Now we have questions of where he ranks in the division. Sure it was impressive, but I'm not buying it. Salaverry's return will be a successful one.
Winner: Ivan Salaverry by submission in the 2nd

Morgan Marx: Unfortunately, Terry Martin has been finished in 2 of his 3 UFC fights. However, those are the only two losses on his record, set against 15 wins. Martin is a powerful striker (as evidenced by his KO of Jorge Rivera in, what, 8 seconds?) and looks like a better fit at middleweight. Martin is also one of the more interesting fighters the UFC has to offer, a doctorate candidate in clinical psychology. A win over the cagey Salaverry would improve Martin's stock in a division lacking true contenders.
Winner: Terry Martin (Unanimous Decision)

Bren Oliver: I suppose this fight is meant to cleanse the pallet before the main event. I think it should be an entertaining fight. I'm glad to see Salaverry back in the UFC, though he's drawn a tough opponent. From what I've seen of Martin now that he's dropped from LHW to Middleweight he's found his calling in terms of weightclass. I think a win over Salaverry will get him a spot against one of the more "name"
Middles to see just how real he is. And I think we'll find out.
Winner: Terry Martin, (KO), (2nd Round)

Don Abato: Sorry Terry, you won't find the middleweight division any easier. Hey Ivan, I know you're last name ain't Kotter but welcome back.
Winner: Salaverry, Triangle Choke Round 2

Matt McEwen: Speaking of fighters rebounding from highlight reel KO's, Terry Martin is making his second UFC appearance since falling victim James Irvin's famous flying knee. After following up that loss with a second round TKO loss, Martin has spent a grand total of 22 seconds in the ring in his last two fights, including a devestating 14 second win over Jorge Riveria in his UFC return. The veteran Salaverry will be making his first trip to the Octagon in nearly two years and is an unlikely early KO victim as he has never been KO'd by punches. If he can get it to the ground, it could be a long night for Martin.
Winner: Ivan Salaverry, Submission (Choke), Round 3

Ken Kobel: Terry Martin is a pretty underrated fighter. He holds a 15-2 record and only 1 victory came via decision. Martin will now fight the returning Ivan Salaverry who has not been seen in the UFC since he put on one of the worst main events in MMA history against Nate Marquardt at the first UFN. This could be very interesting. Salaverry is getting up there in years but he can still go. I'm thinking Ivan will want to take this one to the ground instead of trading with the former pro-boxer. This will be easier said than done as I think Martin will be able to stuff the takedown attempts by using his wrestling background. Martin will connect on his combos and eventually score the knockout.
Winner: Terry Martin, TKO, Round 1


Chuck Liddell v. Quinton Jackson


Lotfi Sariahmed: You're crazy if you don't think Rampage has a chance in this fight. He did it once and he could do it again. But he's not facing the same Chuck Liddell he did in PRIDE. The Iceman is an absolute monster in the division right now. He has the edge over Jackson standing up and while his (Liddell's) one weakness might be on the ground, no one's been able to keep him there. Jackson won't be able to keep him down there either. The easy move is to pick Liddell to win the fight. But if Liddell wins it, no one outside of MAYBE Brandon Vera will beat him until he moves up to heavyweight. So I'll pick Rampage because he could pull it off and I just don't think Liddell will have the belt until he moves up or retires.
Winner: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson by TKO in the 4th

Morgan Marx: Everything seems to be lining up well for Rampage. While victorious against Tito Ortiz, Liddell took some shots from an opponent not known for his striking. Liddell has been appearing on TV shows, gracing magazine covers, and all the other stuff that in hindsight might distract from training. Rampage has stated that he's a more serious fighter, that his training is better, that his nutrition is better. Rampage has a style that looks to fluster Liddell. Jackson is a technically proficient striker with great wrestling and tremendous strength. Having said all that, I can't pick against Liddell. Until someone hurts him or shows that he's lost a step, he's still the most feared fighter not named Fedor (and Liddell faces tougher competition). I think Rampage can trouble Liddell, but I'll be surprised if it ends any differently than any of the Iceman's last 7 fights.
Winner: Chuck Liddell (KO, Rd 2)

Bren Oliver: This one is a heart-vs-head battle for me. My head is saying to pick Liddell. He seems to truly own the eight-sided space he occupies for a living. I will not be surprised at all if he sends Jackson crumpling to the mat after a looping right or
series of strikes. My heart is saying to pick Rampage. Jackson is one of my favorite MMA practitioners. He is the complete package; entertaining in and out of the ring, as well as a extremely talented fighter. He dismantled Liddell the first time they fought so even if he loses he's still 1-1 to the Iceman. Rest assured if Jackson somehow finds a way to scoop Chuck up and slam him down hard there will be a yawp of elation emanating from wherever I'm watching the fight. I can only pick this match as being a push. It's going to be a helluva lot of fun to watch though!
Winner: The Fans

Don Abato: Everything that needs to be said, has already been said about this fight. Cue Teddy Pendergrass to start singing, but this time it looks like another "Chuck" TKO.
Winner: Liddell, TKO Round 2

Matt McEwen: Going into a rematch against someone who beat you last time can be a disconcerting situation for some fighters. Just ask Andrei Arlovski. Chuck Liddell has done this twice and managed to avenge both losses, but this time he is stepping in against a man who not only beat him, but beat him up badly. How that plays on Chuck's mind will be a big factor in the fight. Rampage hasn't looked that good since destroying Liddell way back when, but if he's got anything left in the tank, this is the fight to bring it out. 2007 has been the year of the upset, and Liddell is 37 years old and maybe looking past Jackson to bigger paydays. Do the upsets continue? No, but I expect a damned good fight.
Winner: Chuck Liddell, KO, Round 3

Ken Kobel: Despite the fact that he is 37 years old, Chuck Liddell may be in the prime of his career. He has won 7 straight against some of the biggest names in the sport and he has finished them all without going to the judges. Rampage didn't look all that great against Marvin Eastman but he tends to play to the level of his opponent. Still, he will not have his way with Chuck like he did last time. Liddell will win the stand up and if Quinton tries to take him down he will get stuffed. The string of main event upsets ends on Saturday and Liddell will end it with ease.
Winner: Chuck Liddell, TKO, Round 2