Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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Previously hosts to UFC 68 and 82, Columbus is once again home to top mixed martial arts action on Saturday night as UFC 96 takes place at the Nationwide Arena. The main event has one of the biggest stars in the sport. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson steps in with Keith Jardine in a light heavyweight bout. With a win, Rampage will be in line for a title shot against Jardine's training partner and one of his best friends, Rashad Evans. My cousin will be there live with his press pass, and previews the event for our readers.

Once again the Ultimate Fighting Championship comes to the great state of Ohio. Tonight, live from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, fight fans are in for a good show that lacks a lot of star power. Many people are questioning the event as a whole, but I for one think it will be another solid evening of mixed martial arts.

This will be the third straight year the UFC has come to the Buckeye state. Some of the biggest names in the sport have stepped into the octagon in the last two events there. Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin, and Anderson Silva have entertained the great crowds at UFC 68 and 82 respectively.

The main event this evening has one of the biggest stars in the sport. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson steps in with Keith Jardine in a light heavyweight bout. With a win, Rampage will be in line for a title shot against Jardine's training partner and one of his best friends, Rashad Evans.
 
Jackson is looking to get a crack at the belt his recently held before losing it to Forrest Griffin. He takes on another solid opponent in Jardine who won't go out without a fight. Jardine usually steps up big in fights that he isn't supposed to win. Other fights in which he was a large underdog, Jardine knocked out Forrest Griffen and won a decision over ever popular Chuck Liddell. Oddsmakers currently have Jackson at anywhere from a 3-1 to a 4-1 favorite.
 
There are many people in the business that say Rampage is more focused than ever at this stage of his career. He changed training camps and is on a strict diet, something he never used to pay attention to in the past. The new mindset was on display when he destroyed arch rival Wanderlei Silva back at UFC 92 in December. Keith Jardine is a solid fighter but I think he is in for a bad night courtesy of Rampage.
 
Another fight that has the mma world buzzing is the heavyweight showdown between Gabriel Gonzaga and Shane Carwin. Many people believe that Carwin is a legit title contender.
 
Carwin is 3-0 in the UFC but hasn't fought anyone near the caliber of Gonzaga. His fights haven't even been on the main card of a pay per view yet. The talent level is there and it's obvious he has solid overall skills but Gonzaga will be a huge step up in class.
 
Gabriel Gonzaga has been on the big stage before. Fights with Randy Couture and Mirko Cro Cop have given him the experience of fighting top tier opponents. The overall game he possesses is one of the best in the heavyweight division. If Carwin is able to come out on top, he will be right at the top of the heavyweight heap of title contenders.
 
I look for this fight to be a standup battle. Aggressiveness might get one of these big boys in trouble. Both are heavy handed with lots of knockout potential. This one might have people talking come Monday morning. Stay tuned.
 
UFC newcomer Mark Munoz takes on Ohio native Mark Hamill in what might steal the show. Two excellent wrestlers that have very good standup and chins will let the punches fly in what should be a fight of the night candidate. Munoz is a trainer partner of WEC's Urijah Faber so you know he will be ready to go in this one.
 
Gray Maynard looks to climb the ladder in the 155 pound division when he steps in with Jim Miller. I am a huge fan of Maynard's and expect another great overall performance from St. Edwards graduate.
 
Full fight card:
 
Quinton Jackson vs. Keith Jardine
Matt Hamill vs. Mark Munoz
Matt Brown vs. Pete Sell
Shane Carwin vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
Gray Maynard vs. Jim Miller
Ryan Madigan vs. Tamdan McCrory
Jason Day vs. Kendall Grove
Tim Boetsch vs. Jason Brilz
Mike Patt vs. Brandon Vera
Shane Nelson vs. Aaron Riley
 
Top to bottom I see a lot of exciting bouts for the fans in Columbus. This card is lacking the huge names but that doesn't mean the crowd won't be energized for many entertaining fights. I have a feeling that fight fans everywhere are going to have a lot to talk about when this one and all said and done.