After defeating Matt Hamil at UFC 130, UFC president Dana White announced that Quinton “Rampage” Jackson would likely be the next contender to face UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones.
But Jackson revealed he went into his bout with a fractured hand—an injury that could prevent him from competing for a title shot if he is not medically cleared.
Jackson elaborated on the injury during the UFC 130 post-fight press conference.
“Honestly, I hurt my hand in Japan back in December/Christmas, drunken around, fighting with my friend in the hallway. I thought it would heal up,” Jackson explained to reporters.
While the win wasn’t the most entertaining performance of Jackson’s career, it was enough to elevate himself into the title picture.
White said that should Jackson’s injury not prevent him from competing, he will be in line for a title bout with Jones.
But Jackson confidently stated he will be able to compete against Jones and accepted the bout.
Jones is currently out of action nursing an injury that has prevented him from training, but if both fighters heal properly and all goes according to plan, Jackson and Jones could be scheduled for a title bout in September or October.
Jackson, who previously held light heavyweight gold, relinquished the title over to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86—a controversial bout that some fans believe Jackson won. While he holds nothing against Jones, the fact that he has the belt has motivated Jackson to beat the 23-year-old and reclaim the belt that he feels he never lost.
“I still feel like I didn’t lose that belt, ” Jackson said.
“I don’t really know Jones, I don’t got nothing against him. He has my belt.”
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