UFC 130 Results: Rampage Neutralizes Hamill In Lackluster Main Event Fight

Neutralization.

Once upon a time that was a term you’d most likely find in your junior high science book, but on Saturday night it described Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson’s strategy as he picked up a win over Matt Hamill in the main event of UFC 130.

While not the most exciting fight in recent memory, Jackson did exactly what he needed to do to avoid the offense of Hamill and keep the fight on the feet, where he had the best chance to win.

A former National Champion wrestler, Hamill had his game plan firmly in place to try and take Jackson to the mat and grind out a victory. Instead it was Jackson who stuffed every, single attempt the former ‘Ultimate Fighter’ competitor threw at him, and countered with strikes to look for the knockout.

“I didn’t get taken down?” Jackson said with a smile following the fight.

The only problem with Jackson’s strategy while he was extremely effective stuffing Hamill’s takedowns, he just couldn’t put together the attack necessary to put the fight away.

Rampage countered with strikes every time he shrugged off Hamill’s takedowns, but couldn’t land the combination necessary to hurt the Ohio native. He was also cautious not to step forward too much and eventually end up on the mat.

Rampage driving Hamill backwards

All of it added up to a win for Jackson, but it earned him a chorus of boos from the crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. When the fight ended however, Rampage revealed that he came into the fight with an injury that didn’t allow him to throw full power into his punches.

“Matt Hamill’s tough, I tried to knock him out. I have to apologize for not putting up the fight I wanted to cause I came into this fight with a fractured hand, but I still came and fought for you guys,” Jackson explained. “I apologize, Matt Hamill’s really tough. I still tried to knock him out.”

The win may have earned Jackson a shot at UFC light heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, but he may not have inspired much confidence with his performance that he’ll offer the top ranked 205lber much resistance if they meet.

Either way, UFC 130's main event belonged to Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and he will chalk it up with another win on his record.

“I did what I came to do,” said Jackson. “I scraped out a ‘W’.”

Damon Martin is the lead staff writer and radio host for MMAWeekly.com.
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