#5 Powerbomb – Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson vs. Ricardo Arona – PRIDE Critical Countdown 2004 – 06/20/04
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The powerbomb doesn’t really seem like a viable move for MMA, mainly because it involves the wrestler taking the move to really jump into the air in order to help the momentum of the wrestler doing the lifting. A really famous variant was seen in PRIDE in 2004 though, and it almost looked like the Undertaker’s infamous Last Ride powerbomb.
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Brazilian Ricardo Arona were fighting for the right to face PRIDE champion Wanderlei Silva for his title. Big stakes were on the line for sure. Rampage had fought and lost to Silva before, while Arona was well-known to despise his Brazilian rival. It was also Rampage’s birthday.
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After some early leg kicks, Arona decided to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard. Rampage, well known for his ground striking, obliged, and he began to land punches before Arona was able to catch him with a clean upkick. The shot stunned Rampage who appeared to be out for a second, but he quickly recovered, only for Arona to lock up a triangle choke from the bottom.
Tapping out was never in Rampage’s mind, though. Instead, he stood up with the triangle still locked on, hoisted Arona up into the air over his head, and then dumped him to the ground with a thudding powerbomb, knocking the Brazilian senseless.
The replays showed that as Arona’s head hit the ground, Rampage’s forehead clashed with it, but there was no doubt that it was the powerbomb that did the damage and gained Rampage a famous knockout.
Other uses of the powerbomb in MMA include Matt Hughes on Carlos Newton (although Hughes collapsing due to a triangle choke applied by Newton may have contributed) and a jumping variant used by Justin Levens on Jorge Oliveira. Rampage’s though, remains both the most famous, and the most devastating.
Think of any other wrestling moves that were used to finish MMA fights? Add them in the comments box.
Until next time....
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