Keith Jardine has yet to capitalize on his win over Chuck Liddell in September. Photo Courtesy: Zuffa, LLC
Where have you gone Keith Jardine?
Question: What does a victory over a future UFC Hall of Famer get you?
Answer: Apparently not very much if your name is Keith Jardine.
Jardine last fought in the Octagon in September when he won a split decision over Chuck Liddell. Although Jardine lost his previous fight to Houston Alexander, he was given the opportunity to fight a top fighter in Liddell. Jardine abused Liddell with kicks to the legs and midsection while landing numerous shots to Liddell’s face. It looked as if Jardine would become a top contender in the light-heavyweight division and would be due a title shot in the near future.
However, that isn’t how things have played out since then. Liddell got right back into the Octagon and won a dominant unanimous decision over Wanderlei Silva. If Liddell can get by Mauricio Rua in their June fight, Liddell could very well be the number one contender. Jardine is still awaiting a follow-up fight to his win over Liddell.
Jardine’s choices for fights are quickly running out. Dan Henderson is set to fight Anderson Silva for the Middleweight Title in March. Liddell and Rua are set for their battle in June. Forrest Griffin and Light-Heavyweight Champion, Rampage Jackson will square off after the new season of The Ultimate Fighter airs. Lyoto Machida is set to fight Tito Ortiz in May. With all of those fights set, that leaves Wanderlei Silva and UFC newcomer Sokoudjou as possible opponents.
The most likely scenario could see Jardine fight Silva at UFC 84 in May. Although Silva is coming off the lost to Liddell, a victory over Silva would be another great step for Jardine and that would almost force UFC President Dana White to give Jardine a title shot before the winner of the Liddell-Rua fight.
Keith Jardine has improved his game and turned into one of the best all-around fighters in the light-heavyweight division. While I think that his victory over Chuck Liddell may have been a bit of a fluke, I think he has the ability to be a top contender. A fighter doesn’t get the nickname “The Dean of Mean” for nothing. If he can keep improving his ground game and stay focused no matter who the UFC gives him to fight, he should reach his potential by the end of 2008.
This entry was posted
on Sunday, February 10th, 2008 at 12:59 am and is filed under Chuck Liddell, Mauricio Rua, Houston Alexander, Keith Jardine, Anderson Silva, Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva, Forrest Griffin, Dana White, UFC, Tito Ortiz, Lyoto Machida, Rampage Jackson, Sokoudjou, Uncategorized.
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2 Responses to “Where have you gone Keith Jardine?”
February 11th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Keith Jardine should fight Wanderlei Silva. Sokoudjou is just too raw at the moment, IMO. I think Silva would win. Going into the match, if it does happen, Silva will be in even better condition as he continues to workout at Couture’s facility in Las Vegas. I expect him to sharpen up his punches and start throwing straight punches instead of the loopy ones. With that said, Silva would win via submission.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Why Jardine is being ignored in the UFC is beyond my comprehension. He has wins over UFC Golden Boy Chuck Liddell & their “next great thing” Forrest Griffin. With a Loss to a Very Game & Capable Houston Alexander in between. Personally I think Keith has a Great chance of Defeating a fighter the likes of Silva who seems to be on a downward slide. A better match up would be against a fighter the likes Shogun.. But again, the UFC wants their Marketing Golden boy to get back on top & can promote Liddell v Rua more. Hopefully the “Dean of Mean” will keep kicking Ass & Force His way into a Title Shot!
If all else fails, there are several other organizations that the DoM can head to & dominate.
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