Detroit will be infused with adrenaline on Saturday, November 20, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship® returns to the Motor City for the first time since UFC IX in 1996. The main event will see former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida at the Palace at Auburn Hills in Detroit, Michigan.
Coming from his second straight loss to current UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, BJ Penn will make his return as he faces another former UFC champion and hall of famer in Matt Hughes.
“When you think of Detroit, the first names that come to mind are legends like Joe Louis and Tommy Hearns,” UFC President Dana White said. “This is a real fight town with die hard fight fans, so I’m happy to be the guy bringing big fights to the Motor City.”
“We’re bringing the best UFC fighters here on November 20th,” added White, who is heading to Detroit on Thursday, September 16th, to meet with the media and officially announce UFC 123. “Rampage Jackson and Lyoto Machida are two of the top light heavyweights in the world. I expect this fight to be a war, as both of these guys want to get back in the title run. The co-main event is Matt Hughes vs. BJ Penn, two of the best fighters in UFC history. They have both beat each other and jumped at the opportunity to fight a third time.”
A ferocious competitor known for his aggressive slams and knockout power, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson last appearance in the Octagon was a loss to Rashad Evans.
“I started this camp very early, I stayed in shape from the last fight and the weight hasn’t been an issue this time. Every single minute of this camp will be focused on technique, not getting back in shape or shaking the ring rust after a long time off. If Machida decides to fight me, it will be an exciting fight for one round before he goes to sleep. I am expecting him to run from me, though. He’d wear sneakers into the Octagon if he could! But don’t worry, I will hunt him down and get him anyway,” said Jackson.
Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida is also attempting to bounce back from a loss, losing to current UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
“I know what it’s like to be the champion and I want to be the champion again,” Machida said. “I respect Rampage and I think he is an incredible fighter, but I’m going to expose his weaknesses – I’m going to win this fight on November 20 and go after the light heavyweight title,” said Machida.
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