UFC 86: The Results

• By MATT RAMSAY
• Special to 2theadvocate.com
• Published: Jul 7, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:27 p.m.

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During the week, you could feel the excitement building for the upcoming weekend. For some, the most exciting thing about the weekend wasn’t the fireworks, the backyard barbecues, or the time with friends on the Fourth of July.

It was the Ultimate Fighting Championship 86 and the battle for the Light Heavyweight Championship between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Forrest Griffin.

With a list of celebrities in attendance that included Mandy Moore, David Spade, Jamie Presley, Chris Angel, and Wilmer Valderrama, this was no ordinary fight night.

Jackson angrily promised that this fight would not go to a decision. Griffin stood by quietly and made other plans.

What most fans didn’t know is that Griffin would be the aggressor throwing more kicks, punches and indeed taking it all the way to a decision.

Not many Mixed Martial Arts bouts go all 5 rounds, but this one did. With the crowd chanting “Rampage” one minute and “Forrest” the next, it was an extremely exciting fight that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Like most, I kept waiting for Jackson to land the punch that would put Griffin away. It arrived late in the first round.

Griffin took one of Jackson’s best shots, an uppercut to the jaw, and was sent reeling to the mat.

Jackson, who could easily be the strongest guy pound for pound in MMA, took Griffin and carried him to the fence like he was a featherweight. Surprisingly, Griffin shook it off and proved on that night, he would not and could not be finished.

The second round was dominated by Griffin. In fact, two judges scored the round 10-8.

Griffin battered Jackson with heavy kicks to the legs that had him visibly protecting his left knee.

With Jackson on a weak knee, Griffin was able to take him down and gain a full mount for almost half the round. Jackson did not appear to have an offensive move or attack at any time in the round.

I scored round three a draw, round four for Rampage and round five for Griffin, but the one thing I learned after this fight is that I am glad I’m not a judge.