Just a few short days ago, former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson (32-10) appeared set to see his Octagon career ride off into the sunset versus Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua this summer, after the matchup was announced during this past Tuesday night’s episode of “UFC Tonight”.
Jackson threw a wrench into those plans today.
The former champ Tweeted (@Rampage4real) a message about having to have surgery to both of his knees, indicating that he injured one against UFC champ Jon Jones and the other while training.
– 2 keep it real,the Shogun fight will have 2 wait,I just found out that I have 2 get surgery on both knees,but I heal fast don’t trip
– John Jones fucked the left knee,n my sparing partner @antiheromma fucked the right 1,thanks guy!! But I’m not worried I got the best docs
Jackson referenced an injury in his last training camp for UFC 144, saying the injury was one of the reasons he failed to make weight for the bout versus Ryan Bader. Jackson weighed in at 211-lbs for the light heavyweight bout. It was the first time he was unable to hit the mark for a fight in the Octagon.
Jackson and Rua were expected to rematch this summer, but with this upcoming double knee surgery, rehab and training camp that ‘Rampage’ will have to complete first, a rematch may be in jeopardy unless ‘Shogun’ is willing to wait.
Both men fought back under the PRIDE banner in 2005 at the Pride Total Elimination event as part of the promotions Middleweight Grand Prix opening round. Rua would end the fight at 4:47 of the first round, using soccer kicks to end the match via TKO.
Once Jackson is finally ready to fight, he and the UFC promotion have agreed that it will be his last Octagon appearance, as ‘Rampage’ has stated on Twitter that he plans on finding employment elsewhere.