Both fights would produce a significant amount of hype with fans, although a bout with Evans could create more buzz due to Evans' ability to talk a little trash, Jackson's propensity to return the talk with vulgarity, and the history between the two fighters. There are, however, many fans who wonder how Jackson could suddenly be thrust into title talk if he beats, of all light heavyweights, Matt Hamill. For those of us who are more in-tune with the UFC's decision making, it isn't a surprise at all.
Jackson has been a fighter who can attract a large crowd. He drew over 600,000 buys against Chuck Liddell at UFC 71, over 500,000 buys against Forrest Griffin at UFC 86, and helped UFC 92 eclipse one million buys when he knocked out Wanderlei Silva. He's had some help along the way with a solid supporting casts, but there is no doubt that Jackson brings an appeal to the table that fans crave.
Saturday night's main event showdown at UFC 130 with The Ultimate Fighter season three contestant and three-time NCAA Division III national champion wrestler Matt Hamill could be crucial for Jackson's career. As he's stated in recent interviews, he would like to hang up the gloves at the age of 35, giving him two years left in the sport following his birthday on June 20th. Surprisingly, the division has aligned itself in a way in which Jackson could be primed to make a tremendous amount of money in those final two years.
The first step is defeating Matt Hamill at UFC 130, and Jackson will need to finish him emphatically to get fans talking. Following Jon Jones' victory over Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua in March, many fans felt that Rampage's fearless approach coupled with his power and boxing ability were a combination of skills that stood the best chance against a perceived immortal like Jones. A knockout blow to Hamill would only further that belief, and it could produce some huge numbers for the UFC on pay-per-view later in the year.
It's difficult for me to believe the UFC isn't thinking much farther ahead than the end of the year however. If Jackson does assert himself as a #1 contender on Saturday night, the UFC could stand to bring home coffers full of cash if Jones can maintain his perch atop the division. If Jackson vs. Jones and Evans vs. Jones, two fights that could bring in above average pay-per-view buys, happen with Jones maintaining his belt, it will allow the UFC to set up a Jackson vs. Evans rematch that would more than likely bring in higher dollars than either of the those two title fights. Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention... everyone realizes that Rua vs. Jackson will be happening at some point, right?
It may not be the most popular move by the UFC with hardcore fans, but Jackson's entry into the title picture makes the most business sense. Lyoto Machida may be the only other option right now to step up and take on Jones later this year. While a win over Randy Couture is far from his most impressive accomplishment, there might not be any other options. If you had to choose between Lyoto Machida and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson from a business perspective, who's it going to be? It would easily be Jackson.
