So Rampage Jackson got into a bit of trouble in his pickup truck.
I think any professional athlete if they get to a level where they are recognized, things like this can happen to them.
When you’re a high-profile athlete and you do something silly, it makes the headlines.
From what I understand there were no drugs or alcohol involved so that’s a good thing. He just made a poor judgment call, and we all make poor judgment calls from time to time. Hopefully, it doesn’t affect his fighting career. In different interviews I have learned that Rampage’s trainer Juanito Ibarra, keeps him on track, so that’s probably what he needs more of.
I will say one thing: It’s pretty hard to do a hit-and-run and get away with it when your picture is on the side of the truck! I’m sure his sponsors (Toyo Tires) don’t appreciate this incident.
It has been reported that Dana White bailed him out, and if true, I think it’s a good thing. It goes to show that Dana, as the UFC president, is there for his fighters.
For one, Dana is protecting his investment, but it also shows that he has character. When Jackson hits rough waters, Dana could turn his back on him. But instead he has come to his aid and helps him out.
It shows a lot about Dana’s character as a person and how he runs his organization. And we’re talking about a guy—Jackson—who as of two weeks ago, was his light-heavyweight champion.
I know what some of you might be thinking: What about Jesse Taylor? Why didn’t Dana have his back instead of kicking him off The Ultimate Fighter show?
The difference is Taylor wasn’t a UFC fighter yet, as he was trying to fight his way into the organization. Like Dana told him, if you’re acting like this now, what are you going to do later when you’re famous?
Taylor is getting another chance anyway, this Saturday when he fights at the UFC Fight Night.
Speaking of which, let’s take a look at both of this weekend’s events. To be honest, I’ll be watching the UFC event rather than the Affliction one. There’s more interest for me seeing how Anderson Silva does at light-heavyweight.
And it’s free. I’m only human. Given the choice between free and paying $40, I will choose the free one.
And here are some free picks (hopefully I’ll do better than I have been lately):
Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin
Anderson Silva will win this one, but there’s a lot of unknowns out there. Just like James Irivn said, will Anderson be able to deal with a heavier guy? I’m as interested as anyone else. There’s certainly a difference between fighting Irvin than Chuck Liddell. So this won’t definitively answer any questions for me. And I don’t mean that as a shot at Irvin. He’s just not yet at the same level.
Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy
I’m going to pick Vera for sure. He has always been a great fighter, but has been fighting out of his weight class in my opinion. He’s a natural 205-pounder. He’s impressed me at heavyweight, so I like him here.
Hermes Franca vs. Frankie Edgar
I think this will be a great fight. Fight of the Night potential. They’re two exciting fighters. I’m really impressed with Frankie Edgar. But he’s really small and Hermes is a pretty big 155-pound fighter. So I’m going to pick Hermes.
Cain Velasquez vs. Jake O’Brien
Jake O’Brien hasn’t had many exciting performances lately. I’m going to pick Velasquez.
Jesse Taylor vs. C.B. Dollaway
These are two guys that haven’t impressed me very much. Both have a wrestling background so it’s a bit of a toss up. Maybe getting kicked off the show smartened Jesse, so I’ll pick him, but by a boring decision.
As for the Affliction event, there aren’t enough fights there to entice me enough to buy it. I’m definitely interested in the outcome of the Fedor Emelianenko fight. And I’m a bit interested in the Arlovski one because I’ve heard about him training with Freddie Roach, Oscar de la Hoya’s trainer. So I’m intrigued to see if he looks any different than he has in the past few fights given the new boxing training. And maybe he’ll do better without the pressure of fighting in the UFC.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia
I’m interested to see how Fedor does against a top heavyweight. He’s been inactive and hasn’t really fought top guys. He did fight Matt Lindland, who is a big name, but out of his weight class. I’m picking Fedor.
Ben Rothwell vs. Andrei Arlovski
I’ll go with Arlovski. He’s been fantastic in the past. In his last three UFC fights, he hasn’t been able to pull the trigger. But I think he’ll regain his edge.
Renato “Babalu” Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead
I’ll take Babalu. I’ve always been impressed with him when he’s well-prepared and shows up. He’s a great wrestler and has good submissions. We’ll see if he tries to make a name for himself outside the UFC.
Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
I’ll go with Barnett. He just took out Jeff Monson and I think Rizzo is well past his prime. Barnett has been active and is still in his prime. Barnett by TKO.
Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Nascimento
Lindland has proven time and time again he’s a top contender. The only exceptions have been his fights against Fedor and Quinton, both of whom were out of his weight class.
Mark Hominick vs. Savant Young
Here’s a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Young is a short guy and a really good wrestler. We’ve seen that Mark has trouble with good submission guys in the past, but his striking is that good that he’ll be able to get the TKO in the later rounds.
Vitor Belfort vs. Terry Martin
I’m always interested in seeing a guy like Vitor Belfort fight. He was always exciting, but he seems to lose it mentally. We’ll see if he can put it together at 185. I’ll pick him — I’m certainly rooting for him.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Edwin Dewees
Dewees is a late replacement for Vernon White, who was suspended for a positive drug test. I think Nogueira will submit him.
Aleksander Emelianenko vs. Paul Buentello
Buentello likes to stand up and trade punches. But I don’t think he was what it takes in a standup battle against Emelianenko, so I’ll pick Fedor’s younger brother.
