UFC 114: Rampage vs Evans...All bark and NO bite
UFC 114 was billed as the 'grudge match of the century' and '100% real beef'...yeah, right!
Rampage showed up prepared for an alley fight and clearly nothing else. A 14-month layoff for a pure stand-up brawler is rarely a good thing. Ring rust limits away their only weapon, the big punch. No leg kicks to slow down the faster opponent...no changing of levels...just stalking and waiting to land the big shot, that may never come.
Rashad Evans was the faster, more technical fighter. I was surprised that he made no effort to attack Rampage's legs with kicks. It wouldn't have been too difficult since he was directly in front Evans following him around the octagon, all night. Rashad had more tools on his belt than Rampage.
Did anyone get torn out the frame? Nope. Did anyone get the brakes beat off them? Nope.
Did we get a fight worth our money or just excellent marketing? Hmm.
Rampage showed up prepared for an alley fight and clearly nothing else. A 14-month layoff for a pure stand-up brawler is rarely a good thing. Ring rust limits away their only weapon, the big punch. No leg kicks to slow down the faster opponent...no changing of levels...just stalking and waiting to land the big shot, that may never come.
Rashad Evans was the faster, more technical fighter. I was surprised that he made no effort to attack Rampage's legs with kicks. It wouldn't have been too difficult since he was directly in front Evans following him around the octagon, all night. Rashad had more tools on his belt than Rampage.
Did anyone get torn out the frame? Nope. Did anyone get the brakes beat off them? Nope.
Did we get a fight worth our money or just excellent marketing? Hmm.
Posted by Johnny Benjamin MD at 5/30/2010 10:10 AM 
Categories: MMA
Tags: Rashad Evans Rampage Jackson UFC
Categories: MMA
Tags: Rashad Evans Rampage Jackson UFC
Very true. At least a lot of the other fights were good. Diego/Hathaway and Nog/Brilz were great upset heavy fights.
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