• UFC 130

Couture backs Hamill to take Rampage

ESPN staff
May 23, 2011
Randy Couture fancies Matt Hamill's chances at UFC130 © Getty Images
Enlarge

UFC legend Randy Couture has backed Matt Hamill to beat Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson at UFC 130 on Saturday.

Couture worries Jackson - who has previously said he will retire from the Octagon when he receives his next film offer - is not fully focused on the fight at hand, and believes Hamill has the skills to take maximum advantage.

"So many questions surround 'Rampage'," Couture stated. "Where is he training? What is he involved in? Is he taking it [the fight] seriously? Will he be prepared? What kind of shape will he be in?

"Hamill is not the guy you want to fight not fully prepared. He has got a ton of heart, a great wrestling background, and showed some tremendous striking in his last couple of outings.

"I'm gonna go with the potential upset with the underdog in Matt Hamill."

Couture believes Hamill should be wary of Jackson's prodigious power, but believes if the 34-year-old plays to his strengths his style will eventually frustrate and overwhelm his opponent.

"[Rampage] hits like a mack truck. If you stand in front of this guy, he will flat knock your head off," Couture added. "Jackson is predominately a striker coming into this fight. It'll be interesting to see if Hamill can take him to the ground and take some steam from him.

"Rampage is more that inside fighter. He throws those hooks. He throws those uppercuts. He throws those types of punches.

"Hamill's style of striking draws Rampage in and frustrates him. This makes it easier for Hamill to potentially take him down."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices