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The first time Quinton Jackson and Muhammed Lawal met inside the cage, they fought at light heavyweight.
On that occasion, it was Rampage who took the unanimous decision victory to win Bellator's light-heavyweight tournament finale. In an unusual move, the victor asked for a rematch after having his hand raised.
He wanted the knockout, but it never came. He wanted no question over the result, but the decision was seen by some as controversial. He wanted closure.
There are a few reasons Jackson would want a second fight with Lawal. He was disappointed he won the first fight by decision instead of by knockout. Plus, the decision was somewhat controversial and many thought Lawal’s wrestling overshadowed Jackson’s striking. Additionally, Lawal provides Jackson with motivation, something Jackson said he often lacks.
Three years later, the rematch was booked to headline Bellator's 175 card going down on Friday. The only difference this time around is that the bout will be fought at heavyweight, which has already changed the dynamic of the fight drastically.
Both fighters tipped the scales on Thursday for the official weigh-in with very different outcomes. 'King Mo' came in at 212 lbs, just six pounds over the minimum weight to fight in the division.
Rampage, on the other hand, weighed in at a whopping 253 lbs.
Just the 41 lbs between them so. To put that into context, that's the average weight of a standard microwave.
Bellator 17 takes place at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., near Chicago
On that occasion, it was Rampage who took the unanimous decision victory to win Bellator's light-heavyweight tournament finale. In an unusual move, the victor asked for a rematch after having his hand raised.
He wanted the knockout, but it never came. He wanted no question over the result, but the decision was seen by some as controversial. He wanted closure.
There are a few reasons Jackson would want a second fight with Lawal. He was disappointed he won the first fight by decision instead of by knockout. Plus, the decision was somewhat controversial and many thought Lawal’s wrestling overshadowed Jackson’s striking. Additionally, Lawal provides Jackson with motivation, something Jackson said he often lacks.
Three years later, the rematch was booked to headline Bellator's 175 card going down on Friday. The only difference this time around is that the bout will be fought at heavyweight, which has already changed the dynamic of the fight drastically.
Both fighters tipped the scales on Thursday for the official weigh-in with very different outcomes. 'King Mo' came in at 212 lbs, just six pounds over the minimum weight to fight in the division.
Rampage, on the other hand, weighed in at a whopping 253 lbs.
Just the 41 lbs between them so. To put that into context, that's the average weight of a standard microwave.
Bellator 17 takes place at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., near Chicago