These are the things that make Rampage, in my view, an improved fighter:
- New training camp
- Restored confidence
- Good gameplans
- Proven wrestling ability
He's in a better camp now and has shown improvement because of it. He's stated that bad training camps hurt him in the past. It's obvious that he is comfortable with Juanito, has good partners like Bisping and Kongo and most importantly has proven that he has become better since the camp. When a fighters knows what's holding him back he has won half the battle towards self-improvement.
He obviously looks confident. This is a different Rampage that fought Shogun, Ninja and a few of his other lackluster fights. You can see the confidence in his Octagon entrances and staredowns. The psychological factor is very important in a fight.
His approach to his last two victories was impressive. It's not just that he beat them it's how he beat them. And I think you are exagerrating when you say Liddell and Hendo were overrated. Liddell was at the top of his game until Rampage came along. Hendo dominated Wandy to an explosive finish. They are tied at 1-1 against each other. Both good fights, I don't agree that Wandy beats Hendo a majority of the time.
The way Rampage finished Chuck was very good. He cut off the Octagon floor and picked his punches wisely then knocked him down with a spectacular counter punch and finished strong.
He outwrestled Hendo impressively which was a major accomplishment given his wrestling pedigree. This aspect of Rampage's skills should not be underestimated. He has beaten Arona, Randleman, Henderson and Lindland all excellent grapplers. His well-rounded skills make him a dangerous fighter.
None of that makes him unbeatable, but right now he is the man to beat. People say that Wandy has his number, but we have not see him fight in the Octagon in a long time. The rules have changed, the competition has changed and Shogun and Mirko are good reasons to look at how a fighter does upon entry before jumping to conclusions.
Just because he was a beast in Pride does not mean he will come into the UFC the same fighter. He is coming off of two devastating KOs, had his training camp fall apart, went through the stress of moving and a period of inactivity while preparing to get a fight this year. So we'll see how Wandy does.
Right now Rampage has alot of good things going for him and if he keeps it up I think he could hold on to the belt for a long time.
They're training him HARD baby! They're training him Harrrd!
