Posted on 5/25/2007 8:22:42 PM

UFC 71 Betting - Quinton ''Rampage'' Jackson vs. Chuck ''The Iceman'' Liddell

By Robby Maddux

Current light heavyweight champion Chuck ''The Iceman'' Liddell will be looking to do something not many fighters have done, in UFC 71's main event on Saturday night. If Liddell can beat Quinton ''Rampage'' Jackson, he'll have beaten every man he's ever faced.

Liddell has been defeated just three times in his career, but has redeemed himself by beating two of the three opponents that handed him a loss in prior fights in the likes of Randy Couture and Jeremy Horn. Taking down Jackson would complete Liddell's quest.

The rematch with Jackson will be his toughest fight to date in the efforts towards atoning for his three losses. Liddell's background is as a kickboxer, but he was a college wrestler and has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He's a well-rounded and disciplined fighter with heavy hands, but scoring a win against Jackson won't come easy.

In 2003, which was a Pride fight in a conventional ring, Jackson stood toe-to-toe and traded bombs with Liddell until he took him down to the ground where Liddell was punished. Liddell was finally rescued that night as his corner threw in the towel.

 

Jackson is a strong fighter with powerful punches. He's known to have big slams and is equally as impressive fighting while standing up as to on the ground. Jackson has the talent to avoid big shots from Liddell and can counter with aggressive strikes.

In their first bout, Jackson used a unique defensive strategy to counter Liddell’s dangerous hands. By keeping his elbows high and forearms tightly tucked to cover the sides of his head, Jackson would duck, rotate with blows and protected his head as Liddell unloaded shots.

Whenever he saw a bomb being delivered from Liddell, Jackson almost always came back with an effective shot of his own. If Jackson can be the aggressor and avoid the big right-hand from Liddell he'll become the new champion by defeating Liddell for the second time.

If Liddell lands one of his huge blows it'll be lights out for Jackson. Expect more kicks from the current champion than in their previous fight. Reports are that Liddell had a prefight quadriceps injury which limited his ability to deliver kicks. But whatever the reason, throwing hands simply wasn’t enough to hold off Jackson, so this time around he'll need to mix it up.

This will be a war and bettors should not overlook the underdog Jackson at +150. He's proven once already he can beat Liddell (-180) making him a lively dog, who have cashed in the last three UFC main events.