When Quinton "Rampage" Jackson beat Keith Jardine in the main event at UFC 96 on Saturday night, he earned a title shot against the UFC's light heavyweight champion, Rashad Evans.But Jackson won't get that title shot just yet. He needs surgery to repair a jaw injury, and as a result the UFC will give the next title shot to Lyoto Machida, who will fight Evans in the main event at UFC 98.
UFC President Dana White told Kevin Iole on Wednesday that doctors who checked Jackson out this week diagnosed him with torn ligaments in his jaw. Jackson will have surgery on the jaw next week and also needs time off because of a hyperextended elbow.
White said he thinks Jackson had earned the right to fight Evans, but that Machida is also a worthy contender.
"Rampage deserved the [title shot], but this is an awesome main event," White told Iole. "A lot of people were complaining to me that Lyoto should have had the shot first. I think it's going to be a great fight and Rampage can go get himself healthy. ... It's not the end of the world because we have a great fight to put on. It shows you the kind of guy that Rampage is – that he was willing to sacrifice and take this fight because we needed him. You don't forget things like that."
Fierce Action at UFC 96
Rampage Jackson enters the ring before his match with Keith Jardine at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rampage Jackson and Keith Jardine posture before their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Keith Jardine kicks Rampage Jackson during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Keith Jardine kicks Rampage Jackson during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rampage Jackson and Keith Jardine grapple during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Keith Jardine, right, punches Rampage Jackson during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rampage Jackson punches Keith Jardine during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Keith Jardine kicks Rampage Jackson during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rampage Jackson clocks Keith Jardine during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rampage Jackson punches Keith Jardine during their match at UFC 96 on March 7, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Evans told UFC.com that he's ready for the challenge that the undefeated Machida poses:
"This is my time to shine," said Evans. "I worked hard to get this title and I'm not about to give it up now. I've got a lot of respect for Machida and I know we're going to give the fans a great fight, but I also know that he's going to bring out the best of me on May 23rd, and that's going to be a sight to see."The Evans-Machida fight at UFC 98 will take place on May 23. Other fights on that card include Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra, Yushin Okami vs. Dan Miller, Sean Sherk vs. Frankie Edgar, James Irvin vs. Drew McFedries, Houston Alexander vs. Andre Gusmao, Patrick Barry vs. Tim Hague, Phillipe
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
3-11-2009 @ 11:49PM
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) said...
This is the reason I have become disenchanted with the UFC as of late. Instead of getting another main event and giving Rampage his well earned title shot he now has to get in line again. Hopefully Dana White gives Rampage a shot at the winner of Evans vs Machida. I have the feeling that if it's an epic fight or even a no contest that Rampage is going to have to wait, fight again and worst case scanario (a loss) he may not get a title shot this year.
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3-12-2009 @ 10:03AM
Jason said...
Guy what do you think they should do put the whole UFC federation on hold because one guy need surgery? That is just stupid. I think it is being handled just fine. When he heals up and can actually fight without being injured before the fight then he can get the fight. It doesnt matter who he fights as long as its a title fight. If he beats the title defender then he's the champ no matter who it is. Plus he will have to keep fighting to defend it and when he gets the belt every fight from there on out will be a title fight for him. Its not a big deal and your talking out of your backside. You probably have more of an issue with it then rampage himself.
3-12-2009 @ 3:07PM
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) said...
jason,
I never said they shouldn't have fights in the LHW division you ass clown. I said that Rampage EARNED his title shot. A title that was taken away from him a very questionable decision no less. It makes more sense to me to get a different main event for that card and move the jackson vs evans fight to UFC 100 like it was originally intended. You don't see Dana making Lestard fight Carwin because Mir got hurt do you?
You need to re-read my comment and you will see your the one making sensationalist claims not me. All I said was hopefully Rampage gets to fight the winner. However, what if something happens like a no contest or if the fight is a draw. Does Rampage have to wait for the rematch? What if it's a close fight that ends in a split decision? I'm looking at this objectively and talking about whats fair not who my favorite goldenboy fighter is like Ted.
Machida was the fall back guy for a reason. He simply isn't marketable, won't be a good PPV draw and is boring as hell to watch. Not to mention he hasn't earned a title shot. This is a joke and your getting the wool pulled over your eyes because Dana needs a new main event.
If you can't understand that then you don't merit a response.
3-12-2009 @ 12:50AM
Ted said...
Baby Penn stop crying LOL... Did you even read the articl? Rampage needs surgery on his jaw. You are always ragging on Machida; too bad. Machida and Evans are the two best in the 205lb. division.
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3-12-2009 @ 2:17PM
texasmade2021 said...
they are not the 2 best rampage prolly still is one of the best i highly doubt evans will beat jackson again
3-12-2009 @ 2:52PM
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) said...
Ok Ted whatever you say buddy. If you want to call it crying then go ahead and do so. Rampage earned his title shot plain and simple. End of conversation. He can't go because of an injury so all of a sudden he gets bumped to the back of the line.
Just because your some Machida fucktard fanboy doesn't mean this conversation has anything to do with Machida. This is about Rampage not Machida you arrogant twat.
3-12-2009 @ 6:35AM
gonzo1 said...
i personally think jackson could go , but white wants machida to fight evans because a machida jackson title fight will bring in more money than a jackson vs evans match-up . it's a shame though because i'd like to see evans vs jackson . it could back-fire on him though and i hope it does . i'd love to see evans knock out machida , i just don't think that'll happen .
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3-12-2009 @ 6:39AM
gonzo1 said...
that did'nt make sense i'm sorry i meant to say a machida evans fight would bring in more money than jackson evans , i lost my train of thought. my dog was going nuts .
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3-12-2009 @ 8:19AM
Jonathan Stamey-AtlanticMMA.com said...
Lyoto deserves his shot just as much as Rampage if not more. I think Lyoto rolls to victory in this one...then he'll face Rampage and dominate him as well.
Lyoto moves to well for either of them.
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3-12-2009 @ 8:43AM
Mr Cornpone said...
The UFC would be brain-dead to allow Jackson to fight with injuries.( especially injuries documented by UFC physicians) That's the kind of decision that can result in big-time lawsuits and sports regulators attention if things go bad.
This was a business decision and for anyone who doesn't understand the necessity of making good business decisions, that's likely why you're a fan, not an owner of a MMA promotion.
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3-12-2009 @ 8:45AM
Frank said...
why not give Jardein the shot , he beat Jackson all over the ring and they still said Jackson won
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3-12-2009 @ 9:17AM
easy7179 said...
oh frank, really!? jardine has said he won't fight his boyfriend for the belt. this played out the way it should have. machida deserved the shot. they were trying to push rampage ahead of him too soon. he's still next in line.
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3-12-2009 @ 10:16AM
tome10 said...
I love watching Machida fight. I don't know what frank saw. I saw Rampage overpower jardine, plain and simple.
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3-12-2009 @ 10:42AM
Beau Dawkins said...
this is why i hate the ufc
machida has nnnot fought anyone in the top 8 of the ufc elites at 205. the only worthy opponent he has faced was that other undefeated guy who he easily beat but who had the other guy fought. machida should atleast have to fight 1 of the other elites in the class to get the title shot. wanderlie, lidell, jackson, griffen the old champion, jardine isnt an elite but he beat lidell some how, dan henderson would be another he should have to face. he beat tito but tito was winning on my card until he took that knee to the gut but even after that tito of all people nearly submitted him. machida is an unworthy opponent and has not earned the right to fight for the title as much as i hate evans he wins by ko in the first round
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3-12-2009 @ 1:38PM
Eric said...
Sorry, but you obviously have no idea what you are talking about.
3-12-2009 @ 11:16AM
Ted said...
Beau - Tito was winning on your card? What card is that? The Joker! Machida picked Ortiz apart; case closed.
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3-12-2009 @ 3:15PM
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) said...
Machida got caught in an arm bar. He was saved by the bell. Just another unimpressive victory for Machida. Business as usual.
3-12-2009 @ 11:37AM
Bobby said...
He got a Broken Jaw that needs to be Fixed . He can come back when it heals ~ Meantime as the saying goes " The Show Must Go On "
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3-12-2009 @ 11:42AM
lukduk01 said...
I guess all of that sh*t talking that Rampage does finally wore out his jaw! LOL!! I still think he is a good fighter, but Machida will not disappoint. Machida vs Evans is the fight i wanted to see originally. Evans better look out...
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3-12-2009 @ 11:42AM
Niluapnad said...
AWESOME! MACHIDA DESERVES THE TITLE SHOT MORE THAN JACKSON. HE LOOSES HIS BELT THEN FIGHT ONE GUY AND THEN GET ANOTHER TITLE SHOT? WHATS UP WITH THAT? I LOVE JACKSON BUT MACHIDA SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE NEXT IN LINE. AND NOW IT LOOKS LIKE IT WORKED OUT THAT WAY..OH AND IF ANY OF YOU REMMEBER WHAT I SAID BEFORE AFTER MACHIDA DESTROYED SILVA. MARK MY WORDS..MACHIDA "WILL" BE THE NEXT UFC LIGHTHEVEAY WEIGHT CHAMPION! AND WILL RETAIN HIS BELT FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!
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