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JarryPark’s 15 Moments Of ’07 – #8: Rampage Cameth

December 27, 2007

For the next couple of weeks, JarryPark.com will countdown the 15 most memorable combat sports moments of 2007. Some will be positive while others will be negative. Some will have happened in a ring or cage while others on the outside. Every day, we’ll feature a single moment as we bid adieu to ‘07. As we present each moment, feel free to agree or disagree with any of our selections in the comments section below.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering why we chose fifteen the answer is quite simple: You take the “7″ from ‘07 and the “8″ from ‘08, add them together and you get 15. Duh. To see the rest of the countdown click here.

#8: Rampage Cometh
What: Quentin “Rampage” Jackson knocks out Chuck Liddell and captures the UFC Light Heavyweight title
Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV
When: May 26, 2007

Just a few days before UFC 79, it’s interesting to look back on the night Quentin Jackson knocked out the once-dominant Chuck Liddell for several reasons. Liddell hasn’t won since that fight (he lost another bout to Keith Jardine at UFC 76) but is looking to get back in the win column this Saturday night against Wanderlei Silva. A loss to the Axe Murderer would finally cement the fact that 2007 will forever be known as the year the Iceman melted.

The first time these two Light Heavyweights met was at Pride Final Conflict 2003 in the Tokyo Dome. Rampage dominated Liddell then and did the same in May. While their first bout ended at 3:15 in round 2, Jackson only needed a quick minute and 53 seconds to dispose the UFC’s golden boy. Some (including myself) predicted a Rampage victory but no one really thought it would end that quickly and, most importantly, no one believed the loss would change Liddell’s career forever. Five months later, Liddell enters the cage on Saturday desperately seeking a victory while Rampage gets ready to be a coach on TUF 7 and to officially become the most popular fighter in the world. A year ago the UFC quietly purchased Jackson’s contract from the WFA. Now, with Couture gone, Liddell slipping and Hughes’ impending retirement they look to Rampage to lead the way come 2008. Stay tuned.

Further Enlightenment:
Rampage TKOs Liddell At UFC 71 [Newsday]
Rampage Doesn’t Just Have Liddell’s Number – He Has His Belt [CBS Sports]
Sportsman Of The Year: Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson [Memphis Commercial Appeal]