The future of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson is anything but clear.
Despite leaving Bellator in December of 2014 after three fights with the organization and being booked opposite Fabio Maldonado at UFC 186 in a return to the world’s leading MMA promotion, Bellator MMA has filed a court injunction to stop Jackson over what they say is a breach of the terms of their active, existing deal with ‘Rampage’.
“Today, Bellator MMA was compelled to go to court to stop Quinton “Rampage” Jackson from fighting in an April 25th bout promoted by Bellator’s competitor, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC),” a statement released Monday by the organization read.
“Jackson, who has completed only three fights of his exclusive six-fight contract with Bellator, is barred by contract from fighting for any promoter other than Bellator. Our lawsuit for an injunction and related relief – filed in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court in Burlington County, New Jersey – will compel Jackson to honor his contractual agreement. We look forward to having one of our MMA stars fighting for Bellator again.”
After a six-year run with the UFC that began in February of 2007, Jackson joined Bellator in June of 2013. However, following three fights and a leadership change, Jackson appeared to sour on continuing his relationship with the Viacom-backed Bellator. During the December 2014 Fox Sports 1 broadcast of UFC Fight Night 58, Jackson and the UFC announced he had re-signed with the organization where he became champion in May of 2007.
‘Rampage’ maintained his contract with Bellator contained a provision for the termination of their relationship if certain breaches were not settled within a designated time frame. Jackson and his management claim they exercised this option, which they also suggest lawyers for Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, viewed as a legitimate legal position.
Bellator previously stated the matter would be fought in court, but until Monday, hadn’t provided any additional comment.
Jackson, 36, holds a 35-11 professional record in mixed martial arts.