Here are the official predictions from the SB Nation combat sport sites for UFC 114’s main event between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans. Full card predictions available by clicking the links.
SB Nation Sites Predict UFC 114: Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson v. Rashad Evans
In the end, I just see too many negatives to pick Jackson. I like Evans in a split decision and he may even get rocked, but the wrestling will find him in good graces with the judges. And if all else fails, “Suga” can juke, jive and dance his way across three rounds better than anyone in the sport.
Luke Thomas: What’s more important: Jackson’s layoff or Evans’ stylistic and size shortcomings here? We don’t know. I tend to think that an in-shape Rampage smashes the best Evans given 10 minutes or less. I’m gambling on Rampage’s ability to connect training to performance. I certainly have my doubts, but the obstacles of Evans’ inability to takedown a stronger, surprisingly technical Rampage (on defensive maneuvering, anyway) and resist punishment working the outside are too strong for me to ignore. I might very well be underselling Evans, but he may actually be a middleweight. Rampage by TKO.
Kid Nate: This is a deliciously tough call. If I was 100% sure that Rampage was going to show up in shape and not too rusty, he’s an easy pick over Rashad. Rampage is just too powerful and his striking technique is much better than Rashad’s. BUT Rampage has been away from the cage a long time and he let himself get way out of shape. If Rashad didn’t have such a pattern of fading as the fight goes on I would pick him because of that, but alas, I still think Quinton has this fight. Rampage by KO.
Brent Brookhouse: Rampage has shown to be susceptible to ring rust and speed is a very hard thing to deal with when you’re rusty. Rashad is going to win the early part of the fight with speed, and I don’t trust Rampage to have the gas to take over late in the fight. I just think Rashad is going to be able to push the pace enough to win a decision. Rashad Evans by decision.
Mike Fagan: An in-shape, in-form “Rampage” walks through Rashad Evans. Where’s Quinton at now? I don’t know. Still, the style matchup favors Jackson, and Rashad will have to outwork him for three rounds to overcome that. I have serious doubts that Rashad can do that. Quinton Jackson by TKO, round two.
Chris Nelson: If this leaves the first round, a lot will hang on cardio and whether or not Jackson is truly rusty. But I don’t think it leaves the first round. Jackson via TKO, round one.
Nick Thomas: So pumped for this fight since the winner gets a title shot against Shogun. When Rashad slows down in the later rounds after a couple failed takedown attempts, Rampage is going to end it. Rampage by TKO.
Leland Roling: While much of the focus has been on whether Jackson’s long layoff will affect his performance and fitness in this fight, I’ve really looked more at the style match-up. Rashad’s wrestling is constantly being brought up, and while I’ve been impressed with the physical milestones he’s been hitting -- he still hasn’t been a proven dominant wrestler in the sport. Jackson’s power is the game changer, in my mind. Rashad’s speed will be a factor, but as soon as Jackson lands cleanly -- Rampage will tear Rashad apart. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson via TKO
I’ve said this time and time again. An in-shape Rampage beats Rashad Evans. I think Jackson is at least in decent shape as he hasn’t gassed in quite some time regardless of the time off. In fact, after the long layoff against Griffin he went 5 rounds on like one and a half legs. I think Rashad will try to utilize a lot of movement(even though his gas tank isn’t elite either). Which Jackson will try to counter by cutting off the cage and forcing Rashad to engage. Evans has the speed advantage in regards to striking and movement, but Rampage has arguably the best striking defense in MMA(head and body wise). If Rashad tries to follow Griffin’s gameplan with leg kicks, he will get countered with punches right down the middle. Rashad’s not that good of a kicker anyways. In regards to wrestling, Evans may have an edge, but Jackson’s size and brute strength should be able to negate most of that advantage. If Evans gets the takedown I don’t think he’ll be able to keep Rampage down for long..ala Thiago Silva. Rampage will force Evans to fight at some point in this fight and knock him out. Rampage via TKO Rd. 2
This one is hard to pick. We’ve been pretty vocal about our dislike of Jackson, and I’d hate to see him win here. Evans doesn’t want to see him win either, which should leave us with a boring 15 minutes of Evans as a Snuggie.
photo via Combat Lifestyle
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