It’s that man, Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine. Why is he Lyoto’s new best friend? Because Keith is the only one who can give Lyoto Machida his rightful title shot. On March 7th he takes on Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in a fight that will determine who the number one contender for the Light Heavyweight belt is. And while “The Dean of Mean” may be in the bout he’s not fighting for his title shot, oh no he’s fighting for Lyoto Machida’s.
After Lyoto defeated Thiago Silva It was thought that he would finally get his title shot, but that just didn’t happen. Now should Rampage Jackson defeat Keith Jardine he gets the chance to face Rashad Evans. But if Jardine can pull off another upset victory the UFC will be forced to give “The Dragon” his shot at the belt.
It seems strange that a fighter who has had such mixed results inside the octagon has become the kingmaker. One day Keith beats Chuck Liddell and the next Wanderlei Silva is punching and rape choking him into oblivion. But here we are. I just really hope Jardine doesn’t read the articles over at TATAME.com - otherwise he might get his feelings hurt. It seems the man who will benefit the most should he pull off the victory does not have much faith in him. "I'm cheering for Jardine, but I think that Quinton is stronger, hits harder... I think Quinton is the favorite. I think I’ll have to wait a bit more”.
If “The Dean of Mean” does fail to defeat “Rampage” it will really be too bad that a fighter with fourteen wins and no losses has to wait for a title shot in a world where some guy with just four fights is the disputed heavyweight champ. And the man likely to get the title shot before him is not too far removed from a nasty god inspired hit and run.
Oh what is an undefeated drama less fighter to do? Make “Rampage” voodoo dolls and shove needles into them for fun? Who knows that may be his best chance to challenge for the Light Heavyweight belt before the year is up. Keith Jardine has to bring his A game and Rampage Jackson his B or maybe C for Lyoto not to get stuck in limbo all over again.
Good Luck Keith, Lyoto Machida is counting on you…don’t let him down!
Written by Steven Risley (RisleySR@hotmail.com)
Tags-(jardine machida ufc )