Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson looks to move one step closer to regaining his title when he takes on the man who beat Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine. UFC 96: Jackson vs Jardine kicksoff, Saturday March 7, at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. UFC oddsmakers at BetUS.com have Quinton Jackson as -350 moneyline fav over Keith Jardine who is listed as +250 underdog. Get your UFC 96 Quinton Jackson vs Keith Jardine Prediction in now at BetUS.com
Quinton Jackson’s last fight, at UFC 92, would be against Wanderlei Silva, the only man to beat Jackson twice. Jackson avenged his previous defeats by knocking Silva out with a vicious left hook in the first round. Quinton previously lost the belt to Forrest Griffin, at UFC 86, after losing by Unanimous Decision. It was a five round battle that clearly had Griffin as the winner. Ten days after his loss, to Forrset Griffin, Jackson was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony reckless driving, and felony hit and run after striking several vehicles. He led pursuing officers on a chase while driving on the wrong side of the street and on city sidewalks in his lifted Ford F-350 with his picture painted on the side. During the chase one of the tires blew out on his truck and he continued to flee while driving on his rims and showering the street with sparks. The day before his arrest, Jackson gave an interview and said he had become depressed after his recent loss by decision to Forrest Griffin. If convicted, Jackson could face up to 3 years in prison, he will not be sentenced until January 7, 2010. Jackson has a professional record of 29 wins with 7 losses; he has 14 wins by KO and 7 by submission. Jackson is ranked as the number #3 light heavyweight in the world. Quinton is a great fighter with superb strength, wresting skills and slamming ability.
Keith Jardine has secured victories over former UFC Light Heavyweight Champions Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, as well as a victory over Brandon Vera. At UFC 66, Jardine scored a TKO victory in the first round over winner of Forrest Griffin. Jardine's next fight was against UFC newcomer Houston Alexander at UFC 71. After having complained about having to face an unknown fighter when he felt he deserved a more high profile match, Jardine was brutally knocked out 48 seconds into the first round by Alexander. After his loss Jardine took on former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell, at UFC 76, and he won by Unanimous Decision after three rounds of pounding action. He was considered one of the competitive candidates challenging the UFC light heavyweight championship. However, at the fight against the former Pride middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva, at UFC 84, Jardine lost by knockout due to punches at 36 seconds in round one. Jardine had to be helped up after the fight and was sent to the local hospital for observation. Jardine won a split decision victory over Brandon Vera at UFC 89. It appeared in the midst of the second round Jardine had damaged his knee from a front kick from Vera. However in the post fight interview it was confirmed that the injury was minor.
UFC 96 Fight Odds:
Gabriel Gonzaga (-170) vs Shane Carwin (+140)
Mark Munoz (+140) vs Matt Hamill (-170)
Michael Patt (+450) vs Brandon Vera (-600)
Matt Brown (+110) vs Pete Sell (-140)
Jim Miller (+140) vs Gray Maynard (-170)
Jason Day (+160) vs Kendall Grove (-200)
Jason Britz (+120) vs Tim Boetsch (-150)
Shane Nelson (+175) vs Aaron Riley (-220)
UFC 96 Quinton Jackson vs Keith Jardine Prediction
When: Sat, Mar 7, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: BetUS.com
Pick: Jackson -350
Point-Spreads.com UFC 96 Quinton Jackson vs Keith Jardine Prediction
The Bottom Line: I could see Jardine winning if he can get Jackson into the second or third rounds, but if Jackson comes out strong in the first, it’s all Rampage. Get your UFC 96 Quinton Jackson vs Keith Jardine Prediction in now at BetUS.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
