‘Rampage’ Jackson ‘never actually officially retired’ from MMA, plans to fight again
Perhaps, because of his age and how long it’s been since his last real fight, you’ve been under the impression that former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson is retired.
“Rampage,” however, now 45, isn’t quite done yet.
“I think I’ve still got a couple more fights in me,” Jackson recently told MMA Junkie.
This past April, Jackson (38-14) took part in a “Siamese boxing match” in which he and fellow PRIDE veteran Bob Sapp against Fight Circus promoter Jon Nutt and his partner Woody. It was purely entertainment. Nothing about it was serious.
What is serious, though, is Jackson’s desire to get back in the cage, and he has an idea. A top supporter of Harrison Rogers’ United Fight League, “Rampage” would like to compete on the same card as his son, Raja Jackson, who is preparing to make his professional MMA debut in August.
The last time Jackson competed was December 2019, when he stepped into the cage visibly out of shape and was knocked out by Fedor Emelianenko in the first round of their heavyweight bout at Bellator 237. It was Jackson’s first knockout loss in 14 years and seemingly signaled the end of his legendary career.
Not so.
“I’ve never actually officially retired. I just haven’t fought since COVID,” Jackson said. “It’ll be four years in December. This is the longest I’ve ever taken a break from fighting. I want to help promote the UFL, and I think the best thing I could do is possibly fight for them.”
As for whom Jackson would like to return against, a fifth fight with Wanderlei Silva, a rivalry that dates back to 2003. They’ve split their previous four fights, with Silva winning the first two in PRIDE (2003 and 2004) and Jackson exacting his revenge in the UFC (2008) and Bellator (2018).
“I was thinking that Wanderlei and I still have unfinished business because we’re tied up 2-2,” Jackson said. “… I don’t know. Wanderlei got knocked the f*ck out twice (by me). I think that he’s probably had enough, so I don’t see him accepting a (fifth) fight from me. But money talks. I’m sure if somebody offered him a large amount of money he’d be down.”
To hear more from “Rampage,” you can watch MMA Junkie’s full interview in the video above.
