Quinton “Rampage” Jackson Signs with Bellator MMA and TNA Wrestling
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has signed a multi-year contract that includes Bellator MMA, TNA Wrestling, and Spike TV.
The agreement was jointly announced Tuesday by Bjorn Rebney, Bellator CEO; Kevin Kay, Spike TV President; and Dixie Carter, TNA Wrestling President.
“Rampage is a true superstar both inside and outside the MMA cage,” Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said. “The partnership that we’ve created with Quinton is unlike anything that’s ever been done in the sports and entertainment arena and Rampage is the perfect athlete/entertainer to carry it off.”
“We are thrilled to create this opportunity for one of the greatest athletes and personalities in MMA,” said Kevin Kay, Spike TV President. “Rampage is a proven ratings driver who brings incredible star power to both Bellator and TNA.”
“Rampage is one of the best known MMA fighters competing today,” said Carter. “He is a true cross-over star and his talent, big personality and popularity among a wide range of fans make him an extraordinary fit for our company.”
Rampage (32-11) hasn’t fought since January, his last bout for the UFC following a tumultuous tenure that often time saw him making public complaints about his dissatisfaction with his employer.
At the time of his Octagon exit, Rampage said that he wasn’t retiring, but was instead contemplating his role in a sport that he first began competing in 13 years ago.
“I been fighting for 13 years and the game has changed a lot. Maybe I’ll just be one of those fighters that come and incite the crowd and be like Gary Goodridge, one of the guys that just come on and put on a great show,” he said following a loss to Glover Teixeira in January.
“I’ll be one of those middle range fighters. If I’m a free agent, if a show wants to pick me up, want to put on exciting fights for their fans, I’m their guy.”
The move to Bellator/TNA/Spike is a logical choice for Rampage, who had been rumored to be signing with the Asian One FC fight promotion.
Rampage will be able to continue his career in MMA, continuing to draw off his name value in the sport, but will also have the opportunity to take part in professional wrestling and, presumably, other entertainment opportunities via Spike.
Be sure to Like MMAWeekly.com on Facebook and Follow @MMAWeeklycom on Twitter.
