Rampage Jackson Eyes Heavyweight Fights for Bellator, Movies for Paramount
The news broke on Tuesday that Bellator MMA, in combination with TNA Wrestling and Spike TV, had signed UFC and Pride veteran Quinton “Rampage” Jackson to a multi-faceted, multi-year contract.
The deal encompasses mixed martial arts competition for Bellator, professional wrestling for TNA, and various movie and media opportunities via Spike and parent company Viacom.
Rampage fielded questions from the media on Wednesday, saying that the deal has renewed his passion for fighting, and added that he is considering fighting for Bellator at heavyweight.
He had been competing at 205 pounds in his final days with Pride FC and during his UFC tenure.
“I'm not gonna lie. I lost a lot of love for MMA when I was back in the UFC,” Rampage declared. “This new deal, it's got me so excited. It brought the love back.
“I finally got the love back and I'm thinking about going to heavyweight because I'm older now.”
He’ll turn 35 years of age on June 20.
“I think heavyweight would be a good move because I like the big guys. I think I'd be faster than them. I don't mind trying to knock out some big guys.”
The details about when, who, and where he will begin his Bellator tenure remain on the table. Rampage is still rehabilitating a knee injury, adding that Bellator isn’t pressing him to get in the cage before he is healthy.
He will, however, start taking immediate advantage of other facets of the deal.
Spike TV president Kevin Kay said that Rampage will appear on the Guys Choice Awards on June 12 on the network, and that they’ve already started pursuing movie options.
“Another big benefit of being with Spike in the Viacom family is we have a great relationship with Paramount Pictures and we took Rampage over there to meet with those guys,” said Key. “They're excited to work with him and we're developing a script with Rampage on some movie ideas.”
Rampage will also make an appearance on Thursday night’s edition of Impact Wrestling, TNA’s weekly program on Spike TV.
After going through a developmental program, Rampage will eventually perform as a pro wrestler for TNA, aside from guest appearances to promote his MMA bouts and other roles.
Expect to hear much more from Rampage as the various facets of his new deal come to fruition in the weeks and months ahead.
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