Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1 of 2): What should be next for Rampage Jackson and Lyoto Machida following their split decision bout at UFC 123? Hansen, Lee, Hyden, Hobaugh and Amadi
Nov 26, 2010 - 3:36:53 PM ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1 of 2): What should be next for Rampage Jackson and Lyoto Machida following their split decision bout at UFC 123? Hansen, Lee, Hyden, Hobaugh and Amadi

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What should be next for Rampage Jackson and Lyoto Machida following their split decision bout at UFC 123?

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Ever since Chris Park theorized Jon Jones' potential path to a title shot back in August or September (beat Matyushenko, then beat Bader, then beat the winner of Jackson vs. Machida), I've been on board with that plan.  I think it makes sense to book Rampage vs. Jones next (provided Jones defeats Bader in February), with the winner getting a shot at the title at the end of 2011.  That said, I wouldn't be surprised if they put Jackson in against the winner of Rich Franklin vs. Forrest Griffin, and give an immediate title shot to Jon Jones (once again, provided he defeats Bader in February).

As for Machida... if Matt Hamill is really going to face a top 10 opponent next, it's either going to be Forrest Griffin or Lyoto Machida.  I have no interest in Machida vs. Hamill, but it's something that Joe Silva is likely thinking about.  Preferably, he'll get the loser of the Franklin vs. Griffin fight.

ERIC LEE, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I still think Rampage needs one more solid win before he can get a title shot. But no matter who he faces for the title, it's just gonna be a rematch of a fight he's already lost. Unfortunately for Machida, he now has two losses in a row. It may take two to three fights for him to climb back up the rankings. If he wants another title shot, he's going to have to start winning decisively.

FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I'd like to see Rampage fight the winner of the Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader fight, with the winner of that receiving a title shot. I think Machida should fight the winner of Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin. 

ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH SPECIALIST

I am with Dana on this.  Rampage won the first two rounds and an instant rematch is not warranted. I feel like Rampage gets the winner of the Rashad Evans vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the next Light Heavyweight title fight. Lyoto Machida should fight the winner of the Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader fight.  The winner of that fight should be back in the title hunt.

JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

This one is pretty cut and dry. Quinton Jackson moves towards another title opportunity while Lyoto Machida takes a step down in competition. Machida is coming off of two losses to two of the most dangerous strikers in the division. So the real question moving forward is if Machida serves to test young prospects, or if he is kept near the title picture by facing more established talent. The obvious choice would be for the winner of Jon Jones-Ryan Bader to face Lyoto Machida on their road to a title shot. But, because of the inherent danger in having someone like Machida being the first major test to a blossoming prospect, it’s more likely to be the winner of Rich Franklin-Forrest Griffin.