On the contrary, "Darth" plans to put the "mix" in mixed martial arts (MMA) when he collides with "Rampage" in the UFC 144 co-main event this weekend (Sat., Feb. 25, 2012) at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
His plan (taken from the video above):
"I'm going to be smart about it. I'm not just going to go out there and trade punches with Rampage. I'm not afraid to go out there and strike with him, but I'm going to mix up every bit of my MMA training. I'm going to use some wrestling, I'm going to use some kicks, I'm going to use my boxing. If I go in there just trying to take him down, that's not going to work. I've got to mix up everything. "
Quinton Jackson vs. Ryan Bader is an important match up for the future of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight division.
Bader, who was once one of the most promising 205-pound prospects on the promotion's roster, is looking to build off the momentum he created with a knockout of Jason Brilz in his most recent performance. Prior to the finish, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 winner dropped back-to-back fights, his spot in the pecking order taking a free-fall.
"Rampage" is returning to Japan -- a sacred place in modern combat sports history and one that is dear to him personally -- for the first time since 2006. One fight removed from unsuccessfully competing for the light heavyweight belt, Jackson has all the skill and motivation to send Bader back to the end of the line once again.
One fighter looks to reach his professional potential, while the other is in the twilight of a legendary career, looking to make one final push toward championship glory. One fighter will attempt to implement a well-rounded gameplan, while the other will most likely implement the same one-diminsional "knock-your-block-off" approach that has seemed to serve him so well for more than a full decade.
Who's it going to be?
For more on the bout between Jackson vs. Bader be sure to hit up our complete fight archive right here.
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