That's what Bjorn Rebney is hoping. The promoter has been trying to draw fans to Bellator, by enlisting already established stars to the roster. Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson being his most high profile acquisition to date.
The business practice of recycling mainly former celebrated UFC athletes, has met with criticism from the MMA world. The highest profile of which was a planned Jackson vs Tito Ortiz event that blew up in their faces.
I don't believe the hiring of Rampage Jackson was a poor decision, it was only the execution that was originally the problem. There weren't any fans that had fantasized about a Jackson/Ortiz pairing, even when both were in their primes. Entering Jackson instead into one of their tournaments that the organization is know for, creates an interesting direction for a fighter that had all but burnt out in the UFC.
Bellator 110 takes place on February 28th, featuring a main event of Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs Christian M'Pumbu. A semifinal match up in a light heavyweight tournament. Check out the preview.
Don't know who M'Pumbu is? Neither do I, so don't worry. His is a former Bellator champion, nevertheless that doesn't mean much since I can't name a majority of their current champions.
The attraction here is Jackson, who has been one of the more captivating of competitors in the sport's short history. Can he wear the belt again? This tournament has been set up in hopes that he can. Winning he'll become number one contender to a title that will either be held by Attila Vegh or Emanuel Newton when he challenges for it.
These things aren't always certain, much to Rebney's dismay in past pushes to create champions.
Speaking of Muhammed 'King Mo' Lawal he will also be competing at Bellator 110 in the light heavyweight tournament semifinal. His opponent is Mikhail Zayats, another member of Bellator's roster that I couldn't pick out of a line up.
King Mo and Jackson are exciting to watch, making this card a great way to kick off Bellator's new season. If they happen to walk away with victories, their match up will be one of the most anticipated in the organization's history. They also have a past with one another, adding more fuel to the fire.
Now though Rampage has M'Pumbu in his sights. A man on a two fight losing streak, that is in essence being placed in front of Rampage to give him an easy win. In this sport that is never the case, still let Rebney try his best.
If this fight ends up being anything close to resembling Rampage Jackson's last brawl with Joey Beltran, then it will be worth my Friday night.
Will Rampage Jackson be champion again? With the line up ahead of him, on paper he should. If he is even a shadow of the fighter he was then he will be wearing the strap soon. Nothing is guaranteed in MMA though.
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