In what will be known as one of the best fight cards of 2011, fight fans witnessed light heavyweight Stephan Bonnar pick up his third straight victory with a win over Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139.
After the event, Bonnar already called out his next opponent saying that it had always been a dream of his to fight Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
The former light heavyweight champion must have been listening because he quickly texted UFC President Dana White saying that he wanted the fight as well.
Jackson was already set to compete at UFC 144, the organization’s first card in Japan since December of 2000, but was without an opponent, making the Bonnar request more likely to come true.
Yesterday, it was reported by ESPN.com that a fight between the two was in the works for the Japan card. Fans would get the chance to witness the “American Psycho’s” iron chin and jiu jitsu skills against the powerful striking of Jackson.
However, as quickly as the match came about, the plan has already fallen apart as Jackson revealed on Tuesday via Twitter that he had been removed from the card,
“It don’t look like I’m fighting in Japan which I’m not happy about at all, I think it’s a big mistake by the UFC… F*** it.”
Jackson was a fan favorite while he fought for Pride from 2001 to 2006 and would most likely help sell tickets for the event.
The 33-year-old enjoyed some of the best moments of his career while in Japan including his wins over Chuck Liddell and Kevin Randleman, as well as his famous knockout slam against Ricardo Arona.
Jackson was desperate to fight again in Japan before his career came to an end, even going as far as calling out Mauricio “Shogun” Rua after his loss to Jon Jones at UFC 135. Rua defeated “Rampage” back in April 2005 at Pride Total Elimination 2005.
However, fight fans, as well as Jackson himself, will have to wait to see what the future holds for him.
Whether or not he will be put back on the Japan card or if his opponent is still Bonnar remains unknown at this time.
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