When UFC matchmaker Joe Silva offered former UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (31-8) a bout with Matt “The Hammer” Hamill (10-2) he wasn’t exactly thrilled by it, that is until he learned that Hamill called him out looking to use Jackson as a stepping stone to the title.
Jackson had originally been scheduled to meet Thiago Silva at UFC 130 but the Brazilian’s drug test from his UFC 125 win is still under “scrutiny” at this time, so instead of waiting for the results the UFC has given “Rampage” a new opponent.
Initially there were rumors that Jackson would face Rashad Evans again, but those rumors were quickly put to rest, and instead was offered a fight with Hamill at the upcoming May 28 event in Las Vegas.
Jackson’s manager Anthony McGann spoke to Yahoo! Sports about taking the fight after being called out by the former “TUF” fighter.
“We found out that Matt Hamill actually requested to fight Rampage. His camp pushed hard for it turning down other possible opponents. When Quinton found this out, his opinion rapidly changed on Matt Hamill. Matt’s strategically aiming at Quinton with the words if he takes out the ex-champ then he’s in the mix for a shot. Those are brave words considering Rampage just beat (Lyoto) Machida. So the fight is set for May 28, Rampage doesn’t take lightly to being called out…”
“We were given Hamill on the May show and initially Quinton was disappointed. Matt just wasn’t one of the guys he has been focusing on. He really wants Rashad again or Stephen Bonnar because both guys are disrespectful to him. He respects Matt as a tough opponent and he believes that Matt is someone who will put on a show which is what he loves to do. He just had never paid him no mind until Joe Silva offered him.”