Liddell (20-3-0) vs. Jackson (26-6-0)

In one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the year, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell will defend his 205lbs UFC light-heavyweight title against 'God's Street Soldier,' Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Liddell (20-3-0) has been on a mission to avenge the three losses that blemish his impressive record in a career spanning nearly 10 years, fighting at the elite level that is the UFC. First, it was hall of famer Randy Couture, then, long time MMA stand-out Jeremy Horn; now, Liddell seeks to complete the trio this saturday night from the MGM Grand in downtown Las Vegas Nevada, predicting a first round KO of long time PRIDE FC contender "Rampage" Jackson (26-6-0).

Because there is history here, the fight becomes all the more compelling. When these two squared off last, it was in Japan (a market that was familiar with, and embraced Rampage as a superstar of the sport), and under PRIDE FC rules. At that time, Rampage was just 24 years of age and at the time considered by most MMA authorities as being the #2 ranked LHW fighter in the world (behind long time Pride Monarch Wanderlei Silva). Jackson brought the heat to Liddell that night, pressing him from start to finish. As the bout wore on, it was evident that Rampage possessed the better conditioning, and under PRIDE rules, where the first round is 10 minutes in length, he was able to utilize that advantage. The second round of action saw Jackson take Liddell to the mat, and pummel him with blows until a referee stoppage roughly 2 minutes into the round.

Expect this contest to play out differently though. Liddell has been pushing his conditioning hard, found new confidence in capturing a long sought after UFC title, and at 37 years of age, he hasn’t appeared to lose even the slightest step defeating his last 7 opponents by way of TKO/KO. The first round is only 5 minutes, and simply getting Chuck pressed up against the cage, does not by any means guarantee a takedown is inevitable. If there’s one aspect of his game that Chuck has mastered, it’s commanding the octagon and ring generalship.

The timing of this fight makes me believe that the odds are stacked slightly in Liddell’s favor for the following reasons; a) confidence b) activity, and c) awareness. Liddell’s streak of late has been impressive and confidence for him is at an all time high. Rampage has only had two fights in the past year, and just one inside of the UFCs octagon which is where awareness might play a factor. Regardless, expect sparks to fly, and expect excitement on all levels because neither of these guys are interested in squeaking out a decision.

Keys to the Fight

Liddell has to keep Jackson on the outside with constant jabs, and stay away from focusing only on the one big shot. Liddell is however, a former US National kickboxing champion, so needless-to-say, he knows how to throw em’. His takedown defense is among the best in the world, and this will again be a major key to his success. He cannot allow Jackson to get a body lock on him, because what goes up, must come down and slams are Rampage’s forte. Neither guy has a great submission game, but both are able to defend well against submissions, so don’t expect that aspect of the game to play a major factor in this one. Rampage is well versed in strikes, but he’s not as crisp as Liddell. Explosiveness, athleticism, and quickness has to go to Jackson, so pushing the pace will be a necessity in finding success.

“The Natural”, Randy Couture put himself out there this past week by declaring that he’s predicting the upset this weekend, with a belief that Rampage has all the tools to dethrone the reigning champ, but I’m going to lean in the opposite direction with this one. Although my heart will be with Rampage, my head says that the current circumstances under which this fight is taking place are favoring Chuck, and for that reason (timing), I’m going to predict a Chuck Liddell TKO victory via Ref stoppage.

DD

Forza Milano

On the morning after the UEFA Champions League final, we sit back and reflect on the game that brought millions across the globe to their feet once more. The rematch from 05’s final promised excitement, and for the most part, it delivered just that. Out of the gates, it looked as though the Italian giants – AC Milan – were determined to leave their mark convincingly on this years European campaign, however, after a short burst early it was the breakout speed and quick passing of Liverpool that dictated the pace of the first half.

Several chances early were squandered by England’s most successful club at the European level, but it appeared as though eventually they would find the mark. Kaka, who was the talk of the tournament leading into the final match-day was silenced through much of the first half, but alas, in the 45^th minute with the ball just 22 yards from the goal the inevitable finally happened; Xabi Alonso of Liverpool FC, in the final seconds before the whistle sounded made an ambitious effort to tackle Kaka and end the threat that he poses each and every time he touches the ball.

As their legs every so slightly brushed up against one another, the Brazilian international hit the turf with agony on his face leading to a free kick from Andrea Pirlo, one of the world’s best free-kick takers. The ensuing kick ricocheted off of teammate Filippo Inzaghi and past a helpless Reina into the back of the net. It was a tough one to swallow, but Liverpool pressed on in the second half, narrowly missing chances from both Riise and Gerrard.

I think if the tables were tilted to the Milan side in any aspect, it would have been in the coaching decisions by Rafael Benítez who left Harry Kewel sidelined while a sluggish Zenden struggled to keep up to pace down the left side for the better part of the game. Another questionable call concerned the usage (or lack of) of Peter Crouch who emerged from the bench after the 80^th minute of play. Liverpool, who attempted far more crosses and added 6 more corners connected with very few of them, and could have used the services of 6’7” Peter Crouch at many points. Regardless, the Italian side prevailed victorious, and deservingly so; for the day…. Forza Milano

A Day of Champions

On the day when UEFA’s most covenant club prize will be awarded to Europe’s, and arguably the world’s best football club, we sit back and wait in anticipation of a rematch of the 2005 final that promises nothing short of world class soccer. These clubs boast 11 Champions League titles between them; for Liverpool, this will give them a chance to pull even with the Italian giants at 6 cups a piece, for Milan, this will be an opportunity to avenge the devastating come from behind loss suffered at the hands of the Merseyside Reds just two seasons ago.

It is without question that both clubs, although extremely deep and talented, will give the reigns to their greatest talents in the midfield. The outcome of this game could very well be dictated by the play of opposing stars, Steven Gerrard and Kaka. Kaka, the tournaments leading scorer (10) will certainly be the focus of attention at kick-off, however, Liverpool coach Rafael Benítez assures his supporters that they will do nothing out of the ordinary, sticking with a zone defensive tactic, rather than man-marking the Brazilian international. Luis Garcia, although sidelined with an injury, is confident that his team will prevail in Athens and has traveled there with Liverpool to show his support.

AC Milan, seeking their 7^th Champions League title will go into today’s match-up the favorite, but once the game is off and started, you may as well throw the money-line out the window; if Greece can remind us of anything, it’s that this is football and anything can happen on any given day.