Quinton Jackson faces Matt Hamill at UFC 130
Matt Hamill wasn’t the first choice to fight Quinton ‘Rampage‘ Jackson May 28 in the light heavyweight division at UFC 130. Original opponent Thiago Silva was removed from the card after reportedly failing a drug test. Hamill was selected as the replacement, despite Jackson’s objections. Jackson preferred a rematch against Rashad Evans.
Online free sports picks have Jackson as a -265 favorite and Hamill a +205 underdog.
Still though, Hamill is a formidable opponent who has continuously improved during his career and a strong showing against an established star like Jackson is exactly what he needs to vault himself into the upper echelon of UFC talent. Fortunately for Hamill, his strength as a grappler on the mat just happens to be the powerful Jackson’s biggest weakness.
Hamill, 10-2 in his career, is a strong wrestler who also mixes boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into his arsenal. He has won five straight fights, including wins over Tito Oriz and Keith Jardine in his last two.
Jackson, a former light heavyweight champion, is 31-8 in his career with 14 knockouts. He’s one of the strongest men in the light heavyweight division and his brute strength is an obstacle for any fighter, but a key to neutralizing it is keeping Jackson on the ground. Jackson will have to use his aggressive boxing abilities to prevent Hamill from getting close enough to take him to the ground.
Because Jackson wasn’t particularly pleased that Hamill would be is opponent, it will be interesting to see how prepared he is for Hamill, who is eager to prove himself in a marquee fight.