Cagewriter - UFC

Cagewriter

Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:35 pm EDT

Rampage's next fight is all about the benjamins

By Steve Cofield

Who says Quinton Jackson is afraid of Lyoto Machida? If that’s what you’re thinking, Rampage says you’re probably 12 years old and you know nothing about the fight business. Sure, Jackson respects the title belt. But he’s also trying to make a living and a Machida fight is small potatoes compared to the gains from a successful season on "The Ultimate Fighter." And now that crossover star Kimbo Slice is part of the show, Jackson has dollar signs in his eyes.

"Those people don’t walk in my shoes," Jackson said in response to claims that he fears Machida. "They don’t put food on my table. They don’t set up college funds for my kids. I’m not afraid of nobody. If they use their common sense, they can see what my game plan is."

Jackson said Machida will be around after he beats Rashad Evans. And frankly, Machida isn’t a big enough name to draw monster pay-per-view numbers right now. Oh, that doesn’t matter? It does when most of your money comes from the back end of the pay-per-view.

"I make most of my money off of pay-per-view. When you do 'The Ultimate Fighter,' it’s going to help your pay-per-view numbers."

Jackson said he saw the difference after his first coaching stint on TUF 7, saying no one knew he who was when he fought Marvin Eastman and Chuck Liddell. He was also hated by many fans, and the show helped rework his image.

"Me coaching 'The Ultimate Fighter' show will be good revenue in the future. Being champion or fighting Machida, that’s good. A lot of people would tune into to see that. ... I think a lot more people watch 'The Ultimate Fighter.' You get bigger pay-per-view numbers (following the show)."

Jackson does use Twitter but isn’t a big fan of the Internet, where the trash talk is incessant:

"The ones who are saying some crazy stuff, I can tell by what they write: He got no life, he got no girlfriend. I’m not going to get all mad and worked up. I’m the type of guy, I don’t need all of that stuff. I got to stay in a good mood."

Jackson said the guy who’s afraid of Machida is Evans, and that it was clear by the way he fought the Brazilian.

digg delicious
more

31 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. kyle b
    1. Posted by kyle b Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:04 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    get paid... then get the belt
  2. SouthCal21
    2. Posted by SouthCal21 Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:18 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    looks like Money Mayweather isnt the only one that "fights for checks."
  3. Peacock
    3. Posted by Peacock Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:20 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I think he should do what he wants. He is one of the biggest stars in the sport and as long as he keeps entertaining I am all for him. I think he will meet up with Machida...but he is right that that is a big risk with not too much compensation. Machida is a not-well known guy that would probably beat Jackson and then where would he be. Now he gets to work on his skills and rest up for the big fight. And him and Evans should make next season of TUF pretty fun to watch while waiting for the fights.
  4. zburgerking
    4. Posted by zburgerking Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:50 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Hes talking about loners like Socal - Doc - Nutcracker and other dual posting names they come up with like that Simpson's cartoon and the hack all depraved sub-humans who don't understand the UFC and are just jealous because all there be known for is there fart stained recliner they sit in all day. (ha Ha Ha HA) Go get them RAMPAGE!
  5. Brian
    5. Posted by Brian Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:55 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Rampage and 99% of the fighters on this level do not fear anyone. They are "professional" ring/cage fighers. It is foolish and absurd. I understand his motivation, when he was a Pride organization fighter he was not being paid and now he has the chance to capitilize by making sound business choices. "fight for checks" ? That is exactly what most people do on a traditional job. Peacock was absolutely right with his comment.
  6. hotsilvertone65
    6. Posted by hotsilvertone65 Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:03 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I don't think he will get past Evans to GET Machida
  7. vudusup
    7. Posted by vudusup Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:26 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Kimbo will smack this violent socialpath's ear off.
  8. ryan w
    8. Posted by ryan w Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:29 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    whats a socialpath?
  9. ryan w
    9. Posted by ryan w Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:30 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    oh yeah. kimbo sucks.
  10. SouthCal21
    10. Posted by SouthCal21 Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:54 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    zburgerking....was that english ya dink? i dont care who he was talking about. i was talking about him using money as an excuse to duck a fighter that he knows would beat him. rampage SHOULDNT have any financial issues but its an easy excuse for him to throw out there in order to duck a title shot to fight a HACK who he has issues with. and i love how he says Machida will be there later. like Rashad wouldnt??? after Rashads last fight, he could use the rest. why not be the champ and then fight Rashad? you get more money and the fight you want as champ...assuming he could beat Machida, which he cant.
    .
    .
    .Jason P....obviously i didnt say anything about anyone fighting for s**ts and giggles. those are your words. sure, fighters fight for paychecks, there is nothing wrong with that...but elite fighters also fight to be the CHAMPION...top of the mountain, best of the best, cream of the crop, ya know? fighters on Rampage's "level" need not worry about the money, it will be there. and whats with the big check or more important title?? is that a serious question??? usually a more important title comes with the bigger paycheck....i.e. Light Heavyweight Champion comes with bigger fights and bigger paychecks....but maybe im reaching a bit....
  11. knuckle sandwich
    11. Posted by knuckle sandwich Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:55 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I don't think Rampage is "scared" to fight Machida.... he may not have the proper motivation to fight him yet... but I don't believe he is scared.... having said that I still do not see Quinton winning against Machida though.
  12. vudusup
    12. Posted by vudusup Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:04 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Kimbo will smack this violent socialpath's ear off. That much is for certain!
  13. Para d
    13. Posted by Para d Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:29 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Of course its about the money!!
    Losing to Machida would cut his already declining PR value in half.
  14. D rok
    14. Posted by D rok Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:44 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Socialpath...that made me laugh! Why wouldnt it be about the money? Isn't everyone always complaining that fighters dont make any money anyway? Don't you think that if they really didn't make any dough, they would always do whats in the best interest of finances? And anybody that's fooled by the "I fight for the love of fighting" cliche thinks gullible isn't in the dictionary. If fighters fought for free, White wouldn't be asking for $50 PPVs every month.
  15. Para d
    15. Posted by Para d Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:20 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Of course its about the money!!
    Losing to Machida would cut his already declining PR value in half.
  16. Allen
    16. Posted by Allen Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:35 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Thanks Rampage.......I knew that's why you took this gig.
  17. Allen
    17. Posted by Allen Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:35 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Obviously the lawyer fees are racking up.
    So SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  18. robert t
    18. Posted by robert t Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:19 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    ROFL. Duck-N-Run. That's what I would do also. Yea it's about the $$$$. However a true CHAMP would NEVER give up at chance at the BELT!!!!! LOL LOL SOOOOOOOOOOOOO lamo. Now that Rampage is in the past like I stated before.The ONLY one that can conpete with Machido is the SPIDER. Hold your breath plp, it will come. And BTW I do give props those those of you who take a fight with Machido. Your Nuts, but still get props.
    Only way to beat an UNORTHIDOX fighter= put another against him. YEAEAEAE, I'm excited it's comming. And ROFL, yes Rampage we know how had it is to feed the mouths of our family on 20K every 3 months. Don't go away scared, just go-away.
    Piece-Out
  19. robert t
    19. Posted by robert t Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:53 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    It's ok, you might be punch-drunk.
    I just watched the video again, and I do give props to Rampage for saying while Rachede was getting his head pounded in he was trying to talk to him. ROFL. Anyway I also noticed that he said at the very end that he knew that he would be the coach on the UF, even before Rashad/Machido Fight. Did I hear that wrong? Or did I read between the grey-Lines. If I did hear it right, Rampage, Rampage, Rampage. Your right, the best Off is the best Def. Hope-N-Prey machido loses while your FEEDING you family.
    Piece-Out
  20. rwl060
    20. Posted by rwl060 Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:55 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I lose a few IQ points everytime Cofield takes a shot at Machida. Yes, Cofield, you're right ... Machida is overrated, he's not a pay-per-view draw ... Keep them coming.
  21. Caligulus
    21. Posted by Caligulus Fri Jun 05, 2009 12:32 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    I don't think he's afraid but he knows he isn't ready. The TUF show coming up made it an easier decision. But I think he's right, Machida will be there.
    .
    He has a good point, I knew jack about him aside from him beating Liddell in Japan. But after the show I saw what a funny dude he was.
  22. Jason P
    22. Posted by Jason P Fri Jun 05, 2009 8:09 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    SouthCal21, clearly I'm not talking apples to apples with my analogy, but I think you get the point. Does a title USUALLY come with bigger paychecks - everywhere but in sports. Yes.
    Boxing, Football, baseball, ......... Any sport you can think of either individual or team based........ Players leave championship caliber teams or forego "Title" fights to sign the big contract. ESP in Football where "long term" contracts mean virtually nothing. Players could stay and probably get to the SuperBowl, but they sign with the Oakland Raiders for $127 billion million instead.
    Is pride involved.....OF COURSE. But at the end of the day, it's a business. Just like the NFL, MLB, NBA etc... Like "The Hack" pointed out, you've only got a limited time to make as much as you can. He's already had the belt, now it's time to (kaching!) cash in. He beat Chuck twice, had the belt in Pride & UFC, avenged his loss to Wandy........ What does he have to prove? In fact, I wouldn't be suprised if he took a rematch with Forrest before going after the belt again. Talk about a payday!!!!!!!!
  23. Jason P
    23. Posted by Jason P Fri Jun 05, 2009 8:43 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    One more comment then I'll STFU. Everyone saying Rampage shouldn't be worrying about the money and he makes $XXXX a month and he should be going after the title because that's what "True" fighters do...........
    1. You have no idea what Rampage's life is like so you shouldn't presume to know how much money he needs. Any married man knows that the more money you make, the more shopping your wife does. This money is going to have to last him and his family the rest of their lives. What's 'Page gonna do after he stops fighting? Become an accountant?
    2. It's one thing to say, "I want to see...." but to say "This is how REAL fighters would do....." is garbage. Nobody on this blog is a world class fighter so please stop acting like you've been there and done that unless you've been there and done that...... which none of us has.
  24. Instant Money
    24. Posted by Instant Money Fri Jun 05, 2009 9:56 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Rampage passed up on a chance to fight for the belt.PERIOD,THE END!!! If Rashad beats him, he will never get another shot at the belt.
  25. papi
    25. Posted by papi Fri Jun 05, 2009 10:29 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    I am wandering which side kimbo will be on? Evans or rampage. It dont matter. Kimbo needs to survive the game and then train hard cause the quiet storm is coming. The thrilla in manilla is on the way. Kimbo vs Lidell its on the way and it will bring the rain!!!!!! My friends

Cagewriter

Add to My Yahoo! RSS

Steve Cofield

Cagewriter is an MMA blog edited by Steve Cofield. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Contributors:
Maggie Hendricks, Zak Jensen,

Related Photo Gallery

More MMA Photos »

Y! Sports Blogs

Cagewriter Recent Readers

(provided by MyBlogLog)