[updated] 29/05/2010
In an unsatisfying fight, Sugar Rashad Evans beat Quintin Rampage Jackson in a unanimous decision in UFC 114. Evans was just too fast for Rampage and he was able to unleash punches way before Rampage. It also looks like Evans’ training with GSP paid off. Evans was effective in taking down the bigger Jackson even after he was jarred by a huge blow late in the fight. Evans managed to survive that momentary crisis and came back big.

Still, I think that fight leaves a feeling of something lacking. I think the three 5-minute rounds for non-title fights has something to do with it. If a fighter who takes time to get warmed up is pitted against a quick starter, then he will be at a great disadvantage. Rampage would have fared better I think had there been a couple more rounds in that fight.

Nevertheless, hats off to Evans who came in really prepared and whose conditioning was clearly superior to that of Rampage. Coming in to camp heavy didn’t help Rampage at all. Evans was obviously faster and better conditioned than Rampage and that made all the difference.