Who will win between Wanderlei Silva Vs Quinton Jackson 3
By Philip Flynn

December 27th 2008 will be the date that sees Wanderlei Silva Vs Quinton Jackson  3 fighting for the first time under UFC regulations. Two of the roughest, toughest fighters in MMA, this fight promises to be one of the most devastating in recent times. For Rampage, this is the last chance to beat Wanderlei, and probably the best chance he has to record a victory against the Axe Murderer. Their previous two fights were under Pride FC rules and the Muay Thai style of Silva proved too much for Jackson who succumbed to vicious knockouts on both occasions via knees to the head in the clinch. If Jackson has any chance to beat Silva, he must avoid the clinch and those devastating knees.

Fighting against the Muay Thai style in particular has been a problem for Jackson, with his three most shattering defeats coming against Silva twice and another Brazilian Muay Thai fighter, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. The Pride FC ring is suited to the striker, and while Jackson has awesome stand up and destructive knock out power, the UFC octagon should suit his wrestling background more, certainly compare to his last two fights against Silva in the Pride ring. Their last fight was five years ago and Jacksons's technical striking has improved dramatically since then, although recent issues in his personal life might indicate that he isn't mentally quite right for a fight of this magnitude at this time. Training at the Wolf's Lair, he will be able to train to his style, and that style could be his best chance of winning. In short, throw long range looping punches and overhands, take Silva down after any solid hit, and ground and pound his way to victory, like he did against Chuck Liddell.

This brings us on to Wanderlei. Does anybody have the ability to beat Rampage Jackson three times in a row? If anybody does, it's Silva. That said, while Silva is still a young man at 32, he has massive mileage on his engine and that has show in his last few fights. The explosive aggressive style has waned. If that is purely mental, Silva has the experience and determination to get his game face back on, and the old Axe Murderer could be back again. Silva says he will have a surprise for Jackson in the fight, but the Muay Thai style will undoubtedly be used as the clinch has worked well for Silva, especially against Jackson. Jackson showed in his last fight against the under rated Griffith, that he still hasn't got to grips with the clinch, and again this could be his downfall. Silva also has a BJJ black belt and if his career is on the decline physically, BJJ and a submission might very well be the surprise he has in store. Silva is training at Xtreme Couture so you can bet he will be in the best shape of his career.

To sum up, both fighters will not give up, both have massive heart and would literally fight to the death. This is gong to get bloody and the referee will need to give both fighters every chance to continue. Styles always make the fight, but this is going to come down to mental strength, guts, and who wants it more.