Rampage Jackson Vs Jon Jones: Recalling UFC 135's Monumental Clash
The air in Denver on September 24, 2011, was thick with anticipation, and for good reason, too. Fans gathered at the Pepsi Center, which we now know as the Ball Arena, were about to witness a truly significant moment in mixed martial arts history. This was UFC 135, an event that featured a highly anticipated light heavyweight title bout. It pitted a rising star, the then-champion Jon "Bones" Jones, against a seasoned and very popular former titleholder, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
This fight, quite frankly, was one of the biggest light heavyweight matchups of 2011. It represented a fascinating clash of styles: Jones, with his unorthodox and wide-ranging attack, facing Jackson, a powerful striker known for his devastating punches and incredible toughness. People wondered if Rampage could get inside and tag Jones with hard punches; many felt he had a very real chance at victory if he could.
This article will take a look back at that memorable night, exploring the build-up, the action inside the octagon, and what the outcome meant for both fighters. We'll also consider some details about these two incredible athletes, because their stories are just so compelling.
Table of Contents
- Jon Jones: A Brief Biography
- Quinton "Rampage" Jackson: A Brief Biography
- UFC 135: The Setting and the Stakes
- The Fight Unfolds
- The Outcome and Its Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions
Jon Jones: A Brief Biography
Jon "Bones" Jones, you know, has long been a dominant force in the light heavyweight division. He's often considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His fighting style is that of a true innovator, mixing wrestling, striking, and submissions in ways few others could. He held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship for a long time, defending it against many top contenders.
Personal Details & Bio Data: Jon Jones
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Dwight Jones |
| Nickname | Bones |
| Nationality | American |
| Division | Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight |
| UFC Debut (Light Heavyweight) | August 9, 2008 |
| UFC 135 Title Status | UFC Light Heavyweight Champion |
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson: A Brief Biography
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, you see, is a true icon of the sport. His career spans many years and different organizations, where he became known for his powerful slams and knockout punches. Rampage's personality, as a matter of fact, made him a fan favorite, always bringing excitement whether inside or outside the cage. He held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship himself before this fight with Jones.
Personal Details & Bio Data: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Quinton Ramone Jackson |
| Nickname | Rampage |
| Nationality | American |
| Division | Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight |
| UFC Debut (Light Heavyweight) | February 4, 2007 |
| UFC 135 Title Status | Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion |
UFC 135: The Setting and the Stakes
UFC 135, held on September 24, 2011, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, was a very big deal. It was Jon Jones's first time defending his UFC Light Heavyweight title. He had won the belt earlier that year, and now he faced a huge challenge in Rampage Jackson. This match was marketed as the biggest light heavyweight fight of 2011, and it really felt that way to fans everywhere.
The build-up to the fight was, quite honestly, full of drama. Both fighters have big personalities, and their exchanges leading up to the event created a lot of buzz. People were really looking forward to seeing how Jones, who was still fairly new to being champion, would handle a veteran like Rampage. Rampage, in some respects, had a lot to prove, aiming to reclaim his spot at the top.
The Fight Unfolds
When the bell rang at UFC 135, it became clear pretty quickly that Jon Jones was intent on making a statement. My text says, "Right away, jones seemed intent on preemptively erasing any asterisks." This suggests Jones wanted to leave no doubt about his championship status. He came out with a very aggressive and varied attack, using his reach and diverse skill set to keep Rampage at a distance.
Rampage, for his part, tried to get inside and land his signature hard punches. That was, after all, his best path to victory. However, Jones's defense and offensive output were just too much. Jones used a mix of kicks, elbows, and grappling attempts. He controlled the pace and the distance for most of the fight. It was, in a way, a masterclass performance from the champion.
The fight continued through four rounds, and Jones seemed to dominate each one. My text describes it as an "absolute four round destruction" of the former titleholder. Jones really showed off his evolution as a fighter, demonstrating why many believed he was the future of the division. He was simply too elusive and too skilled for Jackson to consistently land anything significant.
The Outcome and Its Impact
Jon Jones successfully made his first title defense at UFC 135 by defeating former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson. The method of victory was submission. Jones managed to secure a rear-naked choke in the fourth round, forcing Rampage to tap out. This victory solidified Jones's reign as champion and showed everyone that he was truly a force to be reckoned with.
For Rampage, the loss was a tough one, but it didn't diminish his legacy. His chances at UFC 135 were, arguably, quite similar to what Vitor Belfort faced against Jones at UFC 152. Both had a puncher's chance, but Jones's overall skill set proved too difficult to overcome. This fight is still talked about today, perhaps because it marked a significant moment in Jones's career, cementing his place as a dominant champion.
The UFC even released the full Jon Jones vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson bout from UFC 135 later on. They did this to help build excitement for UFC 152, which featured Jon Jones against Vitor Belfort. This just goes to show how important this fight was in the history of the UFC light heavyweight division. You can learn more about UFC 135 on their official site, for instance. Also, feel free to explore more about mixed martial arts history on our site, and link to this page for more fight breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson at UFC 135?
Jon Jones defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson by submission in the fourth round. He successfully defended his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, so that was a big win for him.
When and where did UFC 135: Jones vs. Jackson take place?
The event happened on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at the Pepsi Center, which is now the Ball Arena, in Denver, Colorado, United States. It was a very exciting night for fight fans.
Why was the Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson fight considered so significant?
This fight was significant for a few reasons. It was Jon Jones's first defense of his light heavyweight title, and he faced a very popular and dangerous former champion in Rampage Jackson. It was also, in some respects, the biggest light heavyweight fight of 2011, really showcasing Jones's dominance.
Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson full fight video - MMA Fighting
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Rampage Jackson On Jon Jones at Catherine Dorsey blog
Rampage Jackson On Jon Jones at Catherine Dorsey blog
