On a Rampage with Quinton Jackson

I first interviewed the now reigning Light Heavy-Weight UFC champion; Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, backstage at the Los Angeles Forum amidst a frenzy of fellow reporters, just after his controversial (WFA) win by judge’s decision against Olympic Silver-Medalist; Matt ‘The Law’ Lindland. I found Jackson to be quite humorous and personable, seemingly open to welcome any of the questions being rifled towards him from the ensuing mass Press/Media.

One of my then pertinent questions returned a predictable answer from the former Pride-Fighter, when I asked him, “Who do you have in your sites now as your next fighter to challenge?” Jackson readily replied, “Liddell, I want to melt down the ‘Iceman’ next!” In addition, Jackson also eagerly mentioned his desire to eventually get a chance to defend his important loss to Wanderlei Silva, whom he admitted felt to him much like the “thorn in my side” of his professional fight record.

Quinton Jackson obviously got the opportunity for his long-awaited UFC bout with Chuck Liddell in 2007. Jackson had his chance to not only melt down the ‘Iceman’, but, literally proceeded to strike his way to an exciting win via TKO before a completely sold-out crowd, making him the only individual competitor to beat Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell twice. This remains Liddell’s only rematched loss to date!

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, USA, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson began his combative sports career as a high school wrestler, receiving All-State honors. Originally intending to become a professional wrestler after continuing to compete well into college, Jackson then began to witness the success that some of his fellow wrestlers were beginning to have in Mixed-Martial Arts, soon, he too decided to delve more into MMA. Before long, Jackson had built up a solid fight record while competing for smaller MMA promotions, including Dangerzone, Gladiator Challenge and King of the Cage. It wasn’t until later when Quinton Jackson became known in Japan as an extreme competitor for the Pride-Fighting Championships, before eventually crossing over into the internationally popular UFC.

First rising to fame as a superstar of Pride-Fighting Championships, which predates the UFC, Quinton, wearing his signature heavy chains around his neck during his pre-fight introductions, became a big name there due in part to the excitement generated by his colorful persona along with his astounding fighting ability. During his Pride-Fighting bouts, Japanese MMA fans went wild with thunderous applause whenever Jackson ably lifted an opponent off their feet and forcefully body-slammed them onto the floor mat of the regulatory Ring. The extreme force of this impressive move has even completely knocked-out (KO’d) some of Jackson’s worthy opponents!

After leaving Pride in 2005-2006 and then going on to win a controversial decision over Matt ‘The Law’ Lindland for the newly formed World Fighting Alliance, it was in December of 2006, when UFC parent company Zuffa, announced acquiring the short-lived WFA contract with Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. It was in the UFC where Jackson finally avenged his 2000 loss against Marvin ‘The Beast’ Eastman. At 6’-1” / 205lbs. and an impressive fight record of 28-6-0, the highly experienced Jackson will surely continue to impress all his many new admirers as well by perpetuating his current reign as the Light Heavy-Weight Champion of the UFC.

Life outside of the cage for Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson is somewhat of a contrast. Jackson enjoys listening to music and has actually recorded some of his own Rap music before his converting to Christianity, expressing a desire to re-record his songs to remove the more explicit language used prior to releasing any of his material, in order to comply with his religious beliefs.

Jackson now resides in Irvine, California with his four children. He is continuing much of his training in the Southland and in its local mountain community of Big Bear, stating that the type of training he receives up in the high altitude seems to improve his overall cardio and discipline.

Fans of Quinton Jackson and the UFC feel that they can only expect the best from their champion, knowing that no matter which worthy fighter that Jackson may be matched against next; his opponents will be faced with the wrath of a man on a rampage!

Look for Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, along with Forrest Griffin, as the coaches on this seasons “Ultimate-Fighter” TV series.