Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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All of a sudden, everywhere you turn, there is talk about how Mixed Martial Arts and The Ultimate Fighting Championship should be considered an up and coming sport. That may be true for the non-mainstream fans.  My cousin Scott has been trying to tell people this for years.  Today, he previews tonights pay per view UFC 71 for us ... and the card is LOADED, including a huge main event. All of a sudden, everywhere you turn, there is talk about how Mixed Martial Arts and The Ultimate Fighting Championship should be considered an up and coming sport. That may be true for the non-mainstream fans.

The UFC has been alive and well for a number of years. It is by far my favorite sport to watch, hands down. It has everything that boxing fans want in their sport. I honestly think that's why boxing commentators as well as the fans should be jealous of MMA. Top guys fighting each other on a regular basis is extinct now for the most part in boxing. It is a monthly happening in the UFC.

Once again we have a stacked card for a UFC event. Live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, we have the most hyped fight to come along in years for UFC 71.

The poster boy for the mixed martial arts world Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell looks to avenge his last loss vs Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is what simply is the most talked about fight in the history of the sport. Both guys are household names. They both have great personalities that fans love. Their fighting styles are crowd pleasing. It has the making of an all time classic matchup.

Chuck Liddell is the reigning Light Heavyweight champion. He has a seven fight winning streak in the UFC. His last loss was in 2003 to Rampage in a Pride fight in Japan. He has the best standup in the game today. Liddell loves to keep his fights standing so he can beat up his opponents with that famous overhand right. Chuck's fights hardly ever go to the ground because nobody can take him down and he honestly doesn't want them there. "The Iceman" has also avenged two of his three losses and has the chance to make up for the third when he steps in the octagon with Jackson.

If you ask Quinton "Rampage" Jackson what he fight style is, he says it's brawling. The moves that he likes best are huge body slams. He'll come straight forward against anyone and focuses on overpowering whoever is in his way. His best weapon is his desire. His fight game is solid overall but his power might be unmatched.

I am looking for the upset tonight. I have a feeling that it's Rampage's time to be champ. He has a win over Chuck already and I think that is going to be a huge mental factor coming into the matchup. If he can get Liddell to the ground and unload those monster elbows it will be lights out for "The Iceman." Chuck will land his shots like his always does but Jackson's chin is awesome. A new champ will be crowned.

There is another fight on the card that I cannot wait for. Former training partners go toe to toe in a battle of Middleweight title contenders. Karo "The Heat" Parisyan steps in with Josh "The People's Warrior" Burkman. I look for this to be another fantastic match. Both of these fighters are well rounded and very hungry. Parisyan lost a title shot a few years ago due to injury and wants to get another one in the worst way. He has standing in his way one of the fasting rising stars in the world. This could possibly be the fight of the evening. These two guys are that good and evenly matched.

Full fight card:

UFC Light Heayvweight Championship:
Chuck Liddell vs. Rampage Jackson

Karo Parisyan vs. Josh Burkman
Thiago Silva vs. James Irvin
Din Thomas vs. Jeremy Stephens
Sean Salmon vs. Alan Belcher
Keith Jardine vs. Houston Alexander
Chris Leben vs. Kalib Starnes
Terry Martin vs. Ivan Salaverry
Wilson Gouveia vs. Carmelo Marrero

This has the makings of the most explosive night of fights ever. The many new UFC fans as well as the die hards are in for a treat. I can't wait anymore, "Let's get it on."