In the 2003 PRIDE match Jackson was in control from the beginning of the match, landing right overhand punches almost at will.  After about 1.5 rounds of one sided fighting Jackson was able to knock Liddell down and get on top of him and land vicious elbows to the skull of the “The Iceman.”  The referee mercifully stopped the fight, as Liddell laid nearly unconscious on the ground, unable to continue. 

Since that loss is when Liddell has done his best work.  Including winning rematches against Horn and Couture in rematches he also beat Couture in a rubber match in February of last year.  In other big fights since his last defeat he has beat Tito Ortiz twice and Renato Sorbal.  The second Ortiz fight in December was the last time Liddell was in the ring.

If Liddell has done his best work since his last loss, Jackson has maybe slipped a little since his crowning achievements.  Jackson has a record  of 7-3 since the Liddell win, including two KO’s in PRIDE fighting to Wanderlei Silva.  His other loss came against Maurico Rua by a KO in the first round.  Jackson has have had to seen his confidence rise of late though.  He too has had some redemption regarding past losses.  In the first lost of his MMA career Jackson lost to Marvin Eastman.  In his last fight, his only UFC fight, Jackson defeated Jackson by KO in the second round.  He has also won his last four MMA fights. 

If you were to ask a UFC expert what kind of style Jackson has in the ring they would probably say “Wrestler.”  In high school and college he was a celebrated wrestler, winning various awards and titles on both levels.  But, if you ask Jackson what kind of style he has, he will happily tell you “brawler.”  Jackson will do anything he can to get you onto the ground in order to apply his wrestling skills.  All it takes is viewing the Liddell fight to see this.  He has very quick hands and above average kicking techniques.  He will also take a hit or two to land his own, the epitome of a brawler.

Liddell has obviously improved in the ring over the last few years, but has also gained more main stream media.  He has of late been on the talk show circuit, and even had a major role on the HBO hit show “Entourage.”  This has caused some insiders to wonder if Liddell is still training as hard as he’s been known to in the past.  Both of these fighters have “made it,” but there is still the question of: “Who wants it more?” 

The long awaited rematch takes place May 26th, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the strip at Las Vegas, Nevada.  The fight is for the World Light Heavyweight Championship, but to the participants it’s so much more than that.  Jackson doesn’t want to make it 3-for-3 for Liddell on rematches.  In fact, he’s gone on to say he’s going to kick his ass, and he hope he doesn’t have any excuses because he wants the very best Liddell the night of the fight. 

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