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[Cat--Smasher]

UFC 144's Ryan Bader knows what to expect from 'Rampage' Jackson

Bader, who won the "The Ultimate Fighter 8," was a fan of Jackson's in his days as a wrestler and before he made it to the UFC. But things have changed now that the two are set to fight.

"You can go back with your career afterwards and say I fought all these guys, but now's not the time," he said. "Now, I get a name like 'Rampage,' and my mindset changes."

Bader brings a strong wresting pedigree to all of his fights, but since emerging from the reality show, he's focused on becoming a dangerous striker. He's so far managed to stop three of his UFC opponents by strikes as well as defeat more experienced strikers such Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Jackson, though, presents a more significant threat in that department. Known for heavy hands and a strong chin, he has largely abandoned his wrestling roots for a boxing-centric style. He's managed to stop three of his UFC opponents with his hands and wobble several others with punches.

But Bader agrees with observers that say Jackson has become predictable over the years, and therefore easier to beat.

"You fight a guy like Jon Jones, you really don't know what he's going to bring," he said. "It's hard to bring somebody in and have somebody replicate that.

"But fighting 'Rampage,' you know what he's trying to do. He's trying to walk you down, use head movement, and throw those big bombs on you. He does have some elbows and knees, but watching his fights, you pretty much know what he's going to do."

"But we'll be ready for whatever. Maybe he changed some things up for the Japanese crowd."

Jackson spoke of returning to his roots in a press conference held in Japan announcing the Feb. 25 event. A star of the now-defunct PRIDE, he said the Japanese audience encouraged him to take more risks when he fought, which lead to more exciting performances.

UFC 144's Ryan Bader knows what to expect from 'Rampage' Jackson | MMAjunkie.com

[Rumble]

Yea pretty much, since he hasn't changed his style ever since he stopped slamming people in PRIDE.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Rampage fan. Bader has a similar style to him though, he's younger, faster and he's got the power as well. On top of that his wrestling should be much better than Rampage's.

I'd love to see Page get the W, but I got a feeling it just won't be his night.

[MickeyKnox]

So what he's saying is that he knows he's going to get KTFO?











I hope so. It would be depressing to see Rampage lose to Bader in Japan.

[NLRepublic]

Competitive fight, but I think Page takes this. Even though Bader knows what Page is gonna bring, I don't know that he is good enough to do anything about it enough to beat him

Fun fight, but for this card I'm massively anticipating the main event, that ones got me poppin chubs

[W.Silva>C.Norris]

heh, an article posted under this title should be composed of all of 2 words.. "a beating"

[GangGreenWarrior]

Bad expects to wake up in the octagon with a whole bunch of people asking if he knows where he is and what just happened.

[TBEAR]

I think Bader beats Page. I see some TD's by Bader and some leather being tossed at Pages head while he is on his back..

[scottsec]

Originally Posted by Rumble

Yea pretty much, since he hasn't changed his style ever since he stopped slamming people in PRIDE.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Rampage fan. Bader has a similar style to him though, he's younger, faster and he's got the power as well. On top of that his wrestling should be much better than Rampage's.

I'd love to see Page get the W, but I got a feeling it just won't be his night.

LMAO...seriously??? Bader is gonna have AAALLLLLLLLkinds of trouble taking page down and Pages striking is WAAAAY better.... Tito outstruck Bader...lol... Rampage by TKO....

[Luc1an]

Rampage by a brutal KO to get his confidence going again!

[Cat--Smasher]

I really hope Page pulls this one off and think he should. I see it going a bit like the Matt Hamill fight actually... But I would rather see Rampage finish with a big KO in Japan. Either way, another loss will be a big set back for both guys.