With his fire still burning bright, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson has opened up about how he’d have tried to beat Alex Pereira in a fantasy fight.
The match-up between the pair of UFC legends would undoubtedly make for an absolute barnburner. Thus, while we’ll never see it play out in the cage, the former champion has given us an insight into the tactics he’d have used.
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson discusses a fantasy fight with Alex Pereira
At the peak of his powers, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson demolished his opposition with his heavy hands and formidable wrestling skills.
Picking up iconic wins over Chuck Liddell, Lyoto Machida and even Dan Henderson in a UFC and Pride title unification clash, the sportsman cemented his place in the MMA history books.
Renowned for his fiery personality, which came to light when he smashed through a door with his feet on The Ultimate Fighter, Rampage always knew how to put on a show, thus, making a bout between him and Alex Pereira undeniably one that fans would tune in for.
‘Poatan’ is currently lighting up the sport, showcasing his ferocious kickboxing game, honed through years of operating at the highest level in Glory.
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Most recently, the Brazilian detonated a thunderous head kick on Jiri Prochazka, to send the popular fighter hurtling towards the canvas, in another successful defense of his title.
The stunning finish added to an exceptional legacy Pereira is carving out for himself, and also caught the attention of a man who used to hold the very same belt.
Having gone head-to-head with a plethora of world-level fighters, Rampage knows a thing or two about crafting a game plan.
In a conversation with Joe Rogan on the JRE MMA Show no.159, he explained: “You know what I was thinking, like how would I have done if I was in my prime fighting somebody like that?
“I probably wouldn’t have tried to take Alex down. I probably would have tried (to stand up) until he started f**king me up, then be like, ‘oh sh*t, it’s time to take him down’.”
With Pereira yet to beat a wrestler of Rampage’s Quality, Rogan explained why he believes the ex-UFC champion would’ve had a shot at beating the pound-for-pound great.
Joe Rogan gives his take on Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson vs Alex Pereira
In his 27 years with the UFC, the popular commentator has analyzed more than his fair share of fights. Therefore, he’s the perfect person to break down the dream collision between Rampage and Pereira.
In recent times, Rogan has watched in awe as the reigning King of the 205-pound division has destroyed an array of light-heavyweight monsters.
However, he still isn’t 100% confident of how he’d deal with a grappler of the former Pride champion’s caliber, telling the 46-year-old why he’d have a good shot of upsetting the applecart.
He explained: “You have very good wrestling skills. The difference is, you’re very strong. You were always a very strong light heavyweight, and you had very good wrestling skills.”
He later gave Pereira credit for overcoming his latest challenge, adding: “Prochazka’s got crazy KO power, he’s got good karate skills, and he did win by choking out Glover Teixeira. He did win with a choke.”
However, while the Czech icon is no slouch when it comes to grappling, he isn’t at the same standard in that department as Rampage.
While fans will never truly know whether the American or the Brazilian would’ve come out on top, it’s always fun to debate what may have happened in a match-up that would’ve made for one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
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