Liddell vs Jackson

Randy Couture, heavyweight champion: “My feeling is that this series of upsets in the UFC is going to continue and that Rampage is going to beat Chuck. I think Rampage is not intimidated and he has the skill set and the ability to make this a tough night for Liddell. I think on my picks for the main card fights on the Fight Network’s ’Natural Pick,’ I’m 35-15, so we’ll see how I do on this card.”

Tito Ortiz, former light heavyweight champ: “I expect a really exciting fight. I hope Rampage wins. He’s my boy. I think the only way he’s going to beat Chuck is throw those numbers. You can’t just throw ones and twos at Chuck. I’m going to the fight and I’m going to see if they can carry the same energy as when Chuck and I fought each other.”

Kenny Florian, lightweight contender: “Liddell by knockout in the third round. I think it’s going to go back and forth — action-packed for every minute, every round. I don’t know if Rampage has the ability to knock out Liddell. I do think he could possibly take him down and TKO him. But for Liddell, this is another fight with a similar game plan as the last eight fighters he’s faced. It’s a perfect opponent for Liddell — a wrestler who’s going to try to take him down. He’s prepared for that.”

Heath Herring, heavyweight contender: “I’ve got Chuck because of his relative experience in The Octagon, as opposed to the ring that Pride uses that Rampage has fought the majority of his bouts in. But I wouldn’t put any money on that fight.”

Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times reporter:“This is kind of like Oscar and Floyd. I’ve spent a lot of time with these guys and know them both pretty well. Jackson’s showed he’s not going to be fazed by Chuck’s strength and skill. However, Chuck has been so dominant ever since their first fight, I pick Liddell by the end of the third round.”

Thomas Gerbasi, UFC.com reporter: “Liddell’s undoubtedly on top of his game, so he’s rightfully the favorite here. But Jackson has walked through Chuck’s bombs before, his only knockout losses have come from knees (not Chuck’s specialty), and he’s got everything to gain and nothing to lose in this fight. He’s a live underdog on May 26th, and as recent UFC history has shown, any ’dog’ can have his day.”