UFC on FOX 6 United Center in Chicago, Illinois Saturday, January 26, 2013 Light Heavyeights: Glover Teixeira (-245) vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (+185) Fight Breakdown: The fast-rising Glover Teixeira returns to the Octagon for the third time when he takes on former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the three-round co-main event of UFC on FOX 6. Teixeira (19-2) is currently riding a 17-fight win streak and has picked up two-straight wins in the UFC with dominant performances against Kyle Kingsbury and Fabio Maldonado. The 33-year-old Brazilian is a former training partner of Chuck Liddell’s and has been one of the most hyped-up prospects in quite a long time in MMA but had problems getting his visa and didn’t make the UFC until 2012. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is extremely strong on the ground and he’s also very good in the striking department, making him one of the most well-rounded and dangerous fighters in the division. Jackson represents a considerable step up in competition for Teixeira and it’s definitely the toughest fight of his career to date, but he’s riding a wave of momentum right now and it’s hard to envision him losing this fight to “Rampage.” Jackson (32-10) is one of the icons of mixed martial arts but he’s fallen on hard times as of late with two-straight losses — including a very disappointing loss to Ryan Bader at UFC 144 — not looking at all like the fighter he used to be back in the PRIDE days. But we all know that Jackson is one of the most dangerous light heavyweights in the world when he’s healthy, in shape, and motivated, and that’s the biggest question coming into this fight with Teixeira. This will likely be Jackson’s last fight in the UFC, so he will be looking for a huge upset win over Teixeira to vault himself into a prime financial position as a free agent. Will he have what it takes to take out Teixeira? I don’t know, but what I do know is that Jackson has a money left hook and if he lands it on Teixeira’s chin, he can stop him. But that’s a big if and pretty unlikely. This isn’t the “Rampage” of 2005. Fight Prediction: Jackson hasn’t looked good in any of his last five outings and even though he’ll be motivated to leave the UFC on a win, Teixeira is a beast and it would be a big upset if Jackson was able to defeat him. Look for Teixeira to beat up “Rampage” anywhere the fight goes and to snare a clear-cut judges’ decision at the end of three rounds. Adam’s Pick: Teixeira via decision (click for latest MMA odds) Adam’s Recommended Play: Teixeira really should roll in this fight but man, it’s hard to lay that kind of juice against a fighter of the calibre of Jackson. If you want to parlay Teixeira, be cautious, but I do not recommend betting on him straight at the current line.
