zatoicchi
08.03.09, 08:05
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was far from spectacular, but he pounded out a unanimous decision Saturday over Keith Jardine at UFC 96 in Nationwide Arena that landed him an even bigger prize.
Jackson will get a chance to fight Rashad Evans for the UFC light heavyweight title May 23 at UFC 98 in Las Vegas after his workmanlike victory. Two judges had it 29-28 and one had it 30-27, as did Yahoo! Sports.
A knee injury to Frank Mir forced his heavyweight title bout to be pushed back to UFC 100 in July. To fill the main event void, the UFC decided to move Evans’ title defense up to UFC 98.
“I want my belt back,” Jackson shouted to the crowd after his victory.
Jackson had difficulty catching up to Jardine, who was circling and moving away much of the night. Jackson was stronger and landed the more powerful punches.
Jackson said his plan was to go after Jardine, but he never did. Rather, he fought a controlled fight with few toe-to-toe exchanges.
'Rampage' beats Jardine, earns title shot (http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-ufcearly030709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)
Jackson will get a chance to fight Rashad Evans for the UFC light heavyweight title May 23 at UFC 98 in Las Vegas after his workmanlike victory. Two judges had it 29-28 and one had it 30-27, as did Yahoo! Sports.
A knee injury to Frank Mir forced his heavyweight title bout to be pushed back to UFC 100 in July. To fill the main event void, the UFC decided to move Evans’ title defense up to UFC 98.
“I want my belt back,” Jackson shouted to the crowd after his victory.
Jackson had difficulty catching up to Jardine, who was circling and moving away much of the night. Jackson was stronger and landed the more powerful punches.
Jackson said his plan was to go after Jardine, but he never did. Rather, he fought a controlled fight with few toe-to-toe exchanges.
'Rampage' beats Jardine, earns title shot (http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-ufcearly030709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)