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Rampage vs Forrest revisited

Forrest/Rampage was one of those scored fights that was ahead of its time. Leg kicks weren't really scored the same as head strikes. As time goes on the decision makes sense, but right around this time, Machida/Shogun was scored for Machida. No one really scored leg kicks unless they nearly crippled the opponent like Faber/Aldo.

I don't think there was ever an official judging criteria change that specifically changed kick scoring, but it was one of those things that naturally shifted as more fans were educated. Also there used to be more emphasis on whoever marched forward got favorable scoring, where now today it's secondary scoring criteria. It's wild how controversial this used to be, many even said robbery when the fight happened or Forrest received favorable treatment.
 
Knowing how mma is judged I knew Forrest would take it.

If it was scored how I think it should be scored while still using 10 point rnd system I would call it a draw.

I would've given Forrest a 10-8 in Round 2 but Rampage would've won 1 more round. Its been a while so I cant remember which one but I do remember thinking that Rampage won 3 rounds at the time
 
I thought Forrest won, but at the time he was my favorite fighter at the time so I was biased.
 
I remember when that fight happening not realizing until years later that the decision was somewhat controversial, it seemed like a pretty clear cut win for Forrest in my mind back then. Years later I re-watched it and still don't understand how anyone could score it for Rampage. Kind of think people were just super biased because they do heavily expected & wanted Rampage to win, especially the Price fanatics on sherdog forums.
 
Prime Forrest was no joke he ate a ton of hard shots that would have crumpled most people in this fight

He was KO'd by .... Jeremy Horn and Keith Jardine.

There is no version of Forrest that ever walked the earth that could compete with elite LHW fighters of any generation. He had a few really cool moments relative to 'right time right place' but he didn't have athletic gifts to be in the upper echelon of fighters. The Jon Jones that MURDERED Shogun, was the Shogun that murdered Forrest in back to back fights.

God forbid Forrest had ever fought guys like Jones, prime Gus, Cormier. The second tier of ranked 205'ers were killing Forrest. He was not in the same universe as the truly elite.

Also, love the dude. Consummate professional, hard worker, thrilled he won a title and parlayed it into a career / job.
 
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