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UFC 86 Jackson Vs. Griffin Preview. Breakdown. Post Fight

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Sports

Written by lamark armor

Friday, 04 July 2008 17:08

Page 1 of 5

UFC 86: July 5th, 2008 Mandalay Bay Events Center

When Quinton Rampage Jackson knocked out lightweight champion Chuck Liddell for the UFC lightweight championship title, I thought I saw I was witnessing the rise of a superstar. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, has the look, the personality and the skills to take the UFC and mma to unprecedented popularity. But in order to line up a coaching role on The Ultimate Fighter reality show both Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin were both shelved from the cage for 6-7 months. Any momentum that Rampage gained from the victory over Liddell has faded. So when the Jackson and Griffin meet up on Saturday July 5th, will anybody still tune in ?

Read more to get a preview, breakdown and analysis on UFC 86.

UFC 86 Fight Card

Patrick Cote (+115) Vs. Ricardo Almeida (-145)

Joe Stevenson (-260) Vs. Gleison Tibau (+200)

Josh Koscheck (-315) Vs. Chris Lytle (+240)

Tyson Griffin (-290) Vs. Marcus Aurelio (+230)

Quinton Jackson (-275) Vs. Forrest Griffin (+215)

UPDATE:
Get the post fight breakdown here

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Patrick Cote (+115) Vs. Ricardo Almeida (-145)

Patrick Cote:

Name	Patrick Cote
Nick Name	The Predator
Record	12 - 4 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw)
Wins	6 (T)KOs (50.00%) 3 Submissions (25.00%) 3 Decisions (25.00%)
Losses	2 Submissions (50.00%) 2 Decisions (50.00%)
Association	BTT Canada
Height	5'11 (180cm)
Weight	185lbs (84kg)
Birth Date	2/29/1980
City	Quebec City
State	Quebec
Country	Canada

Cote is a talented Canadian fighter who until recently could not buy himself a W inside the octagon. With a well rounded set of skills on the ground and standing, Cote has all the tools to be a top contender in the middleweight division. Cote usually has problems with bigger stronger fighters that put him on his back, effectively neutralizing his ground and pound game.

Keys to Victory:

Cote probably wants to stay on his feet and use his heavy hands against the ground skills of Almeida. I'm not sure that Cote really wants to test Almeida's jiu jitsu. Cote should has to establish effective cage control and constant movement. This will enable him to land punches and kicks outside the range of Almeida's takedowns. If Cote is able to keep this match primarily a kickboxing / boxing match, Cote will be a tough opponent to beat.

Patrick Cote vs. Steve Vigneault

Ricardo Almeida:

Name	Ricardo Almeida
Nick Name	Cachorrao
Record	9 - 2 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw)
Wins	4 Submissions (44.44%) 5 Decisions (55.56%)
Losses	1 (T)KOs (50.00%) 1 Other (50.00%)
Association	Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Height	5'11 (180cm)
Weight	185lbs (84kg)
Style	Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Birth Date	11/29/1976
City	Weehawken
State	New Jersey
Country	USA

Ricardo "Big Dog" Almeida is a Renzo Gracie Black Belt who is known for his viscous submission game. The former "King of Pancrase" is currently on his mma comeback tour after leaving the fight game on his own accord. When Almeida takes you down and puts you on your back, you are in some serious trouble. This fight against Cote will be a real litmus test for Almeida. The winner of this match will probably be the number one contender for Anderson Silva's belt.

Key's to Victory:

Almeida will probably feel out Cote's range in the early rounds and eventually close in for a take down. On the ground, Almeida has a signifigant advantage in skill level. Although he would probably prefer initiating a takedown and land in top position, Almeida probably wouldn't worry too much if he finds himself on his back. It will be interesting to see how Cote's ground assault would match up against Almeida's top notch jiu-jitsu game.

Ricardo Almeida vs Osami Shibuya - Pancrase Spirit 8

My Pick:

I think that Cote will come out aggressive and press the action early. Almeida will try to close the distance on Cote and try to lower the effectiveness of his strikes. If Cote gets pushed up against the cage, he will get taken down. That's exactly where I think the fight will wind up. Almeida might have to take some early punishment to get there ... but I don't think Cote's takedown defense is good enough to stop a determined Almeida from entering his world.
Ricardo Almeida is the real deal and this will be his coming out party. Next stop Anderson Silva.

Take Ricardo Almeida by Submission in the second round by guillotine.