UFC 86: Preview and Predictions on Rampage Jackson vs. Forrest Griffin and More

UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson steps into the Octagon with Forrest Griffin Saturday night for what might be the best fight in a great summer of mixed martial arts. Jackson is a brutal brawler who has dominated the division in recent years, while Griffin is a beloved fan favorite who got his start in UFC on The Ultimate Fighter.

MMA fans are in a lather for this one. Here are the details:

What: UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin

Who: In addition to the main event, the televised fights on the card are Patrick Côté vs. Ricardo Almeida, Joe Stevenson vs. Gleison Tibau, Josh Koscheck vs. Chris Lytle and Tyson Griffin vs. Marcus Aurelio.

When: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET

Where: Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas

How: Pay-per-view, $44.95 ($54.95 in HD), or just follow along with my FanHouse live blog.

Predictions after the jump.


Rampage Jackson vs. Forrest Griffin
Rampage is in the prime of his career and hasn't lost in more than three years. But the last guy to beat Jackson, Mauricio Rua, was defeated by Griffin last year. And the guy who beat Jackson before Rua, Wanderlei Silva, has been training Griffin for this fight. Does all that add up to Griffin pulling off the upset? I just don't see it happening. Jackson is just too powerful.
Predicted winner: Jackson

Patrick Côté vs. Ricardo Almeida
Côté has won three straight fights by first-round TKOs, and his striking ability is impressive. But I think Almeida's mastery of Brazilian jiu jitsu will be too much for Côté.
Predicted winner: Almeida

Joe Stevenson vs. Gleison Tibau
Stevenson is fighting for the first time since losing a lightweight title fight to B.J. Penn in January. Look for this fight to go to the ground, where both men are more comfortable, and for Stevenson to win by submission.
Predicted winner: Stevenson

Josh Koscheck vs. Chris Lytle
Lytle always gives the fans a good show: In his last four fights he's won submission of the night twice, fight of the night once and knockout of the night once. But while Lytle will entertain, I think Koscheck, who like Forrest Griffin got his start on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, will win.
Predicted winner: Koscheck

Tyson Griffin vs. Marcus Aurelio
I think these two are basically evenly matched, and I'm baffled that Griffin is a huge betting favorite, but I do think Griffin has the right style to win a hard-fought battle.
Predicted winner: Griffin

More information:
Official web site
UFC 86 at Wikipedia
Betting odds