The following video shows Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida training for his upcoming fight against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, scheduled for UFC 123 on Nov. 20, in Auburn Hills, Mich.
Rampage is primarily known for his boxing and knockout punching power. He is for the most part a plodder and does not use a lot of foot work. How will he handle, first of all, the footwork of Machida that moves in and out and comes at you from different angles, and secondly, the larger variety of striking Machida uses?
Rampage has shown difficulty in dealing with an opponent who uses a lot of footwork. Take for instance, his most recent fight, a unanimous decision loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 114 in May. If he had that much trouble with Rashad’s movement, it is quite likely he will have even more difficulty against Machida.
I don’t even need to watch the video to say,… “No”. He’s not.
Machida looks good. Gonna be a tough one for Rampage.