Rampage Jackson Humble In Razor Thin Win By Split Decision.

Two  former, yet still very popular Light Heavyweight Champions stood toe to toe at UFC 123 on saturday. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was humble in his victory over Lyoto Machida. "Machida whooped my ass tonight," Rampage stated. "I considered that an ass whipping." The judges had scored the fight razor thin, one judge scored the fight 29-28 Machida, while the other two scored the fight 29-28 Rampage.

The first round went to Machida 10-9. In the beginning of the fight, Rampage was quick to take the center of the octagon, attempting to throw various combinations, while Machida picked at him with leg kicks to Rampage's lead leg. As the round ended, the two clinched against the cage. A slow start to the fight, but Machida clearly won the first round.

In the second round, Rampage scored a take down, however, he failed to be effective with it, as Machida was able to quickly stand back up. As the two exchanged in strikes, Ramapage landed a quick uppercut, followed by a left hook which rocked Machida and caused him to wobble a bit. Rampage unable to capitalize, Machida quickly recovered and landed a quick head kick as the round ended. Overall however, it was clear that Rampage took the round.

The third and final round was the kicker, the two fighters exchanged various combinations in what may of been the best exchange in the fight. Machida then was able to take Rampage down to the canvas and work his way to the mount position. Machida then went to an armbar to try and submit Rampage, however, Rampage used a slam to escape the submission. The two scrambled back to their feet and as the round ended, Machida scored one last take down.

It seemed as the fight went to Machida, however it may be Ramapage's aggression in the fight may have tipped the judges in his favor.

"I think that's what the judges were thinking," Rampage said. "I think it was so close it was unfair to Machida. Even if I don't want to, I have to give him a rematch."

MMA Fighting.com