Quinton “Rampage” Jackson returns to Japan a fat man. The former UFC light heavyweight king and Pride Fighting Championship star’s claim that he failed to make weight because he is nursing an injury is met with skepticism and disdain by fight fans.
UFC president Dana White’s bold claim that, “Nobody fakes an injury in the UFC,” better—and we are confident will—hold true in the case of Jackson.
Every time a top, famous fighter fails to make weight come the official weigh-in, questions arise on his commitment to the sport that took him to places he’s never been—financially and geographically. The doubts are further flamed by Jackson’s earlier pronouncements on retirement (in 2009) and lack of excitement getting into his fight versus Matt Hamill last year.
His recent tirade against UFC announcer Joe Rogan is also an unnecessary distraction which could be reflective of his lack of focus on his upcoming fight with Ryan Bader.
Add to that his burgeoning movie career.
Now Jackson revisits his fans in the Land of the Rising Sun, where he first found and established fame and fortune in MMA, with his now-established affluence evident in his waistline.
Still, Jackson is not on a two-fight losing streak and not threatened by the UFC’s “three straight losses and you’re out” norm. And assuming he’s on that kind of skid, with his colorful personality and fanbase, Dana White will most likely make him an exception (think Dan Hardy).
The former UFC champion is 1-1 in his last two forays into the Octagon. With the last one a loss to the phenomenal and favorite UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, then, it can’t be that bad.
If Jackson intends to convince MMA fans that he still wants to fight a little longer in the UFC, then he is in a must-win situation versus Bader tonight on UFC 144.
He must follow the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. versus Juan Manuel Marquez precedent: Mayweather missed weight then proceeded to thoroughly dominate Marquez for a lopsided decision win.
Otherwise, it’s “Thank you, goodbye, and good luck in your other endeavors in life.”
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