It's the biggest card of the year and the UFC is not being shy about it. The Ultimate 2008 features not one, not two, but three Main Event fights on the card and the Suite Spot is here to break it all down for you:Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
vs.
Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva
Who is Rampage Jackson?
He was the funny and likable star of The Ultimate Fighter reality show who laid out UFC poster boy Chuck Liddell and was on the precipice of major crossover fame before losing his title last spring and subsequently leading the LAPD on a chase through the streets (and sidewalks) of the city. He's facing 3 years of jail time if convicted. Still, his powerful strikes and devastating slams make him one of the most dangerous men in the world.
Notable Wins: Chuck Liddell x2, Dan Henderson, Ricardo Arona
Notable Losses: Wanderlei Silva x2, Shogun Rua, Forrest Griffin, Sakuraba
Who is Wanderlei Silva?
They call him "The Axe Murderer". Do you need to know anything else? Wanderlei (pronounced Van-der-lay) is the former PRIDE Middleweight Champion and 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix tournament winner who basically went 6 years without losing a fight in his weight class. Though a darling of the online fight community, he hasn't quite been the same since Mirko Cro Cop practically kicked his head off in late 2006. His lighning fast knockout of Keith Jardine last spring quieted his critics. Another win against Rampage would put him in line for a title shot.
Notable Wins: Sakuraba x3, Rampage Jackson x2, Hidehiko Yoshida x2, Dan Henderson
Notable Losses: Tito Ortiz, Mirko Cro Cop, Dan Henderson, Chuck Liddell
Breakdown:
Both fighters feature a brutal, aggressive style that begs for a highlight reel knockout. As such, this is probably the most hotly anticipated fight on the card despite not being for a title. Both fighters have something to prove and they'll come out throwing. That said, Wandy holds 2 brutal KO victories over Rampage and that's got to give Jackson pause. Wandy will jump all over any hesitation.
Silva by knockout in Round 2
Frank Mir
vs.
Antonio Rodrigio "Minotauro" Noguiera
for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship
Who is Frank Mir?
He's the former UFC Heavyweight Champion who is back from serious injuries due to a car crash in 2004. He's had trouble getting back into shape but finally looks to be back to the form that snapped Tim Sylvia's arm. He is enjoying increased fame due to his recent win over Brock Lesner and his coaching stint on the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter. He is one of the worlds great submission fighters, especially for a big man.
Notable Wins: Tim Sylvia, Brock Lesnar, Tank Abbott
Notable Losses: Brandon Vera
Who is Minotauo Noguiera?
The Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion is probably the greatest fighter in the history of MMA this side of Fedor. "Big Nog" has fought and defeated a who's who of MMA and shows no sign of stopping. He showed his coaching chops and gregarious personality on The Ultimate Fighter so his popularity is at an all time high. There is no one tougher in the cage or more dangerous on the ground.
Notable Wins: Heath Herring x2, Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Barnett, Dan Henderson, Tim Sylvia, Ricco Rodriguez, Mark Coleman, Bob Sapp
Notable Losses: Fedor Emelianenko x2, Josh Barnett, Dan Henderson
Breakdown:
The winner of this fight will battle Brock Lesner later this year to unify the Heavyweight belt. Both men would relish that chance. These are the two best submission artists in the Heavyweight division, so this one should probably end up as a battle on the ground. Both guys can submit anyone at anytime so it could be over quickly. The Suite Spot believes; however, that this bout will stretch into the later rounds and Mir's conditioning (though much improved) won't hold up to Nog's legendary motor.
Noguiera retains UFC Interim Heavyweight Title by submission in Round 4.
"Sugar" Rashad Evans
vs.
Forrest Griffin
for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Who is Rashad Evans?
He won season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter and is undefeated in 13 fights. A standout wrestler in college, he knocked Chuck Liddell out cold last spring and is also a PC.
Notable Wins: Chuck Liddell, Michael Bisping, Stephan Bonnar
Notable Losses: none, but controversially drew with Tito Ortiz (many say Tito should have won)
Who is Forrest Griffin?
He is the winner of the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, thrusting the UFC into the mainstream with his legendary brawl with Stephan Bonner in the finale. He parlayed that notoriety into two straight bouts against the consensus #1 Light Heavyweight fighters in the world (Shogun Rua and Rampage Jackson). Forrest emerged victorious in both meetings, snatching the title in the process. His wry sense of humor and relentless fighting style make among the the most popular fighters in the UFC.
Notable Wins: Rampage Jackson, Shogun Rua, Stephan Bonnar
Notable Losses: Tito Ortiz, Keith Jardine, Dan Severn
Breakdown:
This is just an amazingly even matchup. Evans possesses superior striking power and wrestling while Forrest has the edge in jiu jitsu and stamina. Both are cabable of formulating great gameplans, but I believe that Griffin's trainer Randy Couture's knowledge of wrestling will negate Rashad's greatest advantage.
Griffin retains UFC Light Heavyweight Title by split decision.
It all goes down on December 27th from Las Vegas. Enjoy!
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