Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson made a name for himself fighting in Japan, and he will finally get to return when he faces The Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Bader at UFC 144.
The event, which is headlined by a lightweight title bout between UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and former WEC lightweight champion Ben Henderson, will take place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Some of Jackson’s most memorable fights came out of Pride, a mixed martial arts organization based in Tokyo, including those with Ricardo Arona, Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
According to statements from Monday’s UFC 144 pre-fight press conference (by Daniel Herbertson), the Japanese fans are Jackson’s “favorite.” Transcript by MMAmania.com.
Back when I was fighting here, I had so much energy. I just wanted to put on a good show for the fans because all the energy they give. In America, you’re under so much pressure to win at all costs because the fans talk shit to you if you lose even if it’s a good, exciting fight. In Japan, it’s just a different energy.
Who knows? Maybe I’ll take more chances and not care because it’s all about the crowd. I react to the crowd. I don’t care about the people watching on TV…
In Japan, I used to slam a lot and put on more of a show because the energy from the fans gave me power and I don’t feel the same energy in the US. So, I can’t honestly say I improved or evolved in a good way since leaving Japan. I’m all about putting on an exciting fight in Japan.
One thing I love about Japanese fans and why I love them the most is that they don’t care if you win or lose. All they care is if you have samurai spirit, that you put on a good fight. That’s why Japanese fans are my favorite. And American fans are jealous that I say that all the time.
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