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How Ibarra changed Jackson

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Just as some began to sense Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was on the downside of his career, Juanito Ibarra saw a man with untapped potential. When other mixed martial artists considered Jackson nothing more than a brawler, Ibarra was convinced he could supply him with an arsenal of self-defense tactics. That was three years ago, after Jackson's third knockout loss in a six-fight span. Shortly after Jackson was knocked out by Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in April 2005, Ibarra introduced himself to Jackson. Ibarra combed through Jackson's past, his emotions, his spirituality and his goals. They met at a gymnasium the next morning. Fifteen minutes into the workout, Ibarra made him a promise. "I told him he'd win the championship the first time we fought for it," said Ibarra, who at one time co-trained boxer Oscar De La Hoya. Since that meeting, Jackson and Ibarra have been nearly inseparable. Ibarra has rebuilt Jackson from the ground up, blending his natural power and athleticism with Ibarra's knowledge and work ethic. The combination has transformed the 30-year-old Irvine resident into one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. He hasn't lost in the six fights since Ibarra became his manager and trainer.

Los Angeles Times

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Forrest Griffin, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Forrest Griffin, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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July 5, 2008  11:47 PM ET
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That's pretty good

July 5, 2008  11:47 PM ET
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He needs to be Kimob's manager/trainer

July 5, 2008  11:56 PM ET
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That Ibarra, he like the Buddha of death matches.

July 6, 2008  08:10 AM ET
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didnt help him sat.

July 7, 2008  04:17 AM ET
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Yeah, Ibarra you suck. Forest would have won Saturday without your meddling.

July 7, 2008  01:30 PM ET
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I flushed things that lookes tougher than those two

July 7, 2008  03:25 PM ET
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I can tell you one thing. They don't want any part of the Horsemen!

 
July 8, 2008  04:44 AM ET
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In retrospect it didn't do much against the CHAMP, FORREST GRIFFIN!!!!!

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