After a tumultuous 2008 that saw Quinton “Rampage” Jackson lose his light heavyweight title, change his managerial and training teams, and deal with out of the Octagon issues, he finished off the year by knocking out his old nemesis Wanderlei Silva in the first round of their UFC 92 bout.
It was Jackson’s first win in three tries against Silva, who defeated the Memphis native in PRIDE bouts in 2003 and 2004.
Opting to fight without the customary touch of gloves, these fierce rivals engaged almost immediately, with Jackson stalking and Silva looking to counter. A minute in, the crowd started chanting for Silva, followed shortly after by a chant for Rampage, and both men circled, neither wanting to make a fight-ending mistake. That mistake would come with under two minutes left though, as Silva came in wide with a left hook and ate one in return, sending the Brazilian down to the canvas. A follow-up from Jackson was mere window dressing as referee Yves Lavigne intervened at the 3:21 mark.
Middleweight hopeful CB Dollaway made it 2-0 against Mike Massenzio as he halted his former college wrestling opponent in the first round. Dollaway defeated Massenzio in the junior college wrestling nationals in 2003.
Heavyweight contender Cheick Kongo moved a step further up the ranks, progressively picking up speed before emphatically stopping Octagon newcomer Mostapha Al Turk in the first round.
Heavyweight prospect Antoni Hardonk got a spirited effort out of late replacement Mike Wessel in their UFC 92 preliminary bout, but in the end, the experience and stamina of Hardonk won out as he TKOed Wessel in the second round.
Former kickboxing standout Patrick Barry promised a spectacular showing in his UFC debut, and he delivered, moving to 4-0 with a first round stoppage of Dan Evensen in their heavyweight bout.
Middleweight contender Yushin Okami continued his steady, but unspectacular, rise up the 185-pound ranks with an uneventful three round unanimous decision win over Dean Lister.
Light heavyweight prospect Matt Hamill bounced back from his UFC 88 loss to Rich Franklin, halting Reese Andy in the second round.
Brad Blackburn survived a furious late rally from Ryo Chonan to take a close three round unanimous decision.
