Quinton Jackson
Quinton Jackson | “Rampage”
Ht: 6’1 – Wt: 205 – Age: 34
Born: Tennessee, USA
Fights out of: Irvine, CA, USA
Team: Wolfslair MMA
Overall Record: 32-10
UFC Record: 7-4
Background:
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has been one of the UFC’s marquee stars over the years, previously winning the UFC light heavyweight champion. Jackson wrestled collegiately at the community college level before transferring over to mixed martial arts in 1999. Jackson won his MMA debut against future UFC fighter Mike Pyle. Rampage went on to compile a 10-1 record, his only loss coming via decision to Marvin Eastman before making his debut in PRIDE in 2001. Jackson’s PRIDE debut came against the legendary, Kazushi Sakuraba, at PRIDE 15. Jackson showed off his arsenal of slams and power punches before succumbing to a Sakuraba submission. Jackson became a fixture of PRIDE following his debut loss, racking up wins over veterans Igor Vovchanchyn and Kevin Randleman. Jackson entered the 2003 PRIDE middleweight (205 lbs.) Grand Prix, picking up a close decision win over Murilo Bustamante before upsetting the UFC’s Chuck Liddell via TKO. Rampage moved on to face PRIDE middleweight (205 lbs.) champion Wanderlei Silva in the finals, and despite holding his own early, Silva was able to rally back with some huge knees that forced the referee stoppage. Rampage rebounded by picking up a win over Ikuhisa Minowa before scoring his infamous slam knockout of Ricardo Arona. Rampage was rewarded a rematch with Wanderlei at Pride 28, but once again fell victim to Wanderlei’s knee strikes. Jackson moved on to face Murio “Ninja” Rua at PRIDE 29 where he won a controversial decision. Jackson’s next challenge came against Murilo’s brother, Shogun, in the first round of the 2005 middleweight (205 lbs.) Grand Prix. Jackson was unable to match strikes with Shogun, eventually being dropped by punches and finished with kicks. Jackson decided to part ways with his management and training, eventually making his return at PRIDE 30. Jackson picked up a couple of wins over overmatched competition before leaving PRIDE for World Fighting Alliance (WFA) in 2006. Jackson finished his PRIDE career with a record of 12-5. Jackson won an uninspiring decision over middleweight Matt Lindland before the WFA was purchased by the UFC. Rampage made his much-aticipated octagon debut at UFC 67 where he would seek to avenge a previous loss to Marvin Eastman. After a slow start, Jackson scored the 2nd round knocked. Rampage’s next fight headlined UFC 71 as he faced off against UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. Jackson had previously upset Liddell in PRIDE, and would do so again, knocking Liddell out in the 1st round to win his first major championship. Jackson was immediately put to the test at UFC 75 where he defended his title against newly-signed PRIDE champion Dan Henderson. Jackson used his size and strength to grind out a 5-round decision to retain his championship. Jackson would not have to defend his title for nearly 10 months as he agreed to coach season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter opposite fan-favorite Forrest Griffin. Following the conclusion of the show, Jackson and Griffin faced off at UFC 86 for the title. Jackson was the heavy favorite coming into the fight, but struggled to defend Griffin’s leg strikes and superior conditioning. Jackson was still able to land some power strikes and seemed to do enough to win a decision, but the judges awarded Forrest a close unanimous decision victory and the UFC light heavyweight championship. Jackson bounced back by avenging his previous two losses to Wanderlei Silva by knocking out the former PRIDE champion in the 1st round. Jackson moved on to defeat Keith Jardine via decision, which should have earned him a title shot against new champion Rashad Evans, but Jackson was sidelined with injuries for nearly a year and ultimately replaced by Lyoto Machida. Jackson and Evans would end up facing off nearly a year later in a non-title fight, following a spirited coaching duel on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. Evans was the quicker fighter come fight night and used his wrestling to control most of the fight before hanging on to victory after Jackson connected with some heavy punches in the 3rd round. Rampage moved on to face fellow former champion Lyoto Machida at UFC 123, winning a close split decision that easily could have gone the other way. Rampage headlined UFC 130 against fringe contender Matt Hamill, winning a one-sided decision. Jackson received a title shot against Jon Jones at UFC 135 following an injury to #1 contender Rashad Evans. Jackson was unable to find his range throughout the fight and was continually picked apart by the rangier, quicker champion. In the 4th round, Jones finished the fight, submitting Rampage via rear-naked choke.
2011 Breakdown:
Jackson went 1-1 in 2011, his only loss coming to UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Jackson was initially booked to face Thiago Silva at UFC 130, but Silva was later removed from the fight card following his suspension. Jackson was soon called out by TUF 3 alum Matt Hamill and the two fighters ended up headlining UFC 130. Jackson immediately showed off his takedown defense and striking superiority in the 1st round as Hamill looked vastly overmatched. The fight lacked action as Jackson was unable to score the finish. Nonetheless, Jackson controlled most of the fight with his boxing and proved he was still a viable title contender in the division.
Rampage was tapped as the next title contender for Jon Jones after Jones’ original opponent, Rashad Evans, was unable to fight on the UFC 135 card. Rampage was unable to close the distance and struggled to avoid Jones’ leg kicks and spinning elbows. Rampage continued to struggle in the 2nd and 3rd rounds as Jones used his speed and reach to stifle Rampage’s power advantage. In the 4th round, Jones was able to land a solid left hand, which eventually led to a takedown where Jones submitted Rampage via rear-naked choke.
2012 Forecast:
Rampage looks to be winding down his fighting career as he enters 2012. His lack of motivation has been evident for some time and now that he has fought and lost for the title, there is little else for him to get hyped up about besides some possible rematches with Shogun, Rashad, or Forrest. Jackson’s overall conditioning and speed have continued to diminish over the last few years. Jackson rarely mixes in his wrestling that once made him famous in PRIDE. Most of Rampage’s recent losses have been attributed to his predictable boxing style. Rampage still has huge knockout power, but the last time he scored a KO was back in 2008. For Rampage to make one last run in the UFC he will have to commit himself towards bringing back his wrestling or possible explore a move up to heavyweight.
Quinton Jackson Fight Record
Overall Record: 32-9
2008-2011 Record: 4-3
2011 Record: 1-1
Loss | Jon Jones | Sub | Rd 4 | UFC | 09/24/2011
Win | Matt Hamill | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 05/28/2011
2010 Record: 1-1
Win | Lyoto Machida | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 11/20/2010
Loss | Rashad Evans | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 05/29/2010
2009 Record: 1-0
Win | Keith Jardine | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 03/07/2009
2008 Record: 1-1
Win | Wanderlei Silva | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 12/27/2008
Loss | Forrest Griffin | Dec | Rd 5 | UFC | 07/05/2008
