Rampage Jackson quits UFC

[Rich Davie]

Rampage Jackson quits UFC
By MARK GILBERT
Published: Today

QUINTON 'RAMPAGE' JACKSON has sensationally announced he is quitting mixed martial arts.

The 31-year-old American is hanging up his gloves permanently to pursue a career in Hollywood.

Last month, The Sun exclusively revealed he had won the part of BA Baracus in the forthcoming A-Team movie.

His decision to accept the role left UFC president Dana White incensed and forced the MMA promotion to scrap plans for a bout between him and Rashad Evans on December 12.

White mocked Jackson's plans to move into films in the post-fight press conference at last weekend's UFC 103 event.

And the UFC supremo's behaviour has now seemingly forced the exit of one of MMA's biggest-ever stars.

Speaking on his personal website, Jackson said: "The UFC has done a lot for me but I think I have done more for them. The UFC bought WFA [World Fighting Alliance] to get my contract and they saved my life, so I felt loyal to them.

"They pushed me into a fight with Chuck Liddell even when I clearly stated I wasn't ready to fight for the belt because the American fans didn't know me but I took the fight and didn't complain and after I won, the American fans booed me for the first time which changed the way I saw them and it hurt me deeply...

Continued here... (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/ufc/2651057/Rampage-Jackson-quits-UFC.html)

[Rich Davie]

Rampage: Dana forced UFC exit
By MARK GILBERT
Published: Today

QUINTON JACKSON has sensationally quit the UFC to pursue a full-time acting career — and hinted Dana White forced his exit.

The former light-heavyweight champion made the shock announcement on his official website earlier today.

Rampage is in a bitter dispute with UFC president White over his decision to accept the role of BA Baracus in the forthcoming A-Team movie.

By accepting the role, Jackson forced the MMA promotion to scrap plans for a December 12 bout between him and Rashad Evans in his hometown of Memphis, leaving White furious.

Jackson, 31, dropped the bombshell after deciding a money-spinning move into acting would be a more attractive proposition than fighting on into his forties.

He also hinted a backlash from fans over some of his recent performances inside the Octagon played a part in his decision.

Rampage said: "I'm not like Randy Couture. My body has been getting so many different injuries that I wont be able to fight until my forties and neither do I want to fight that long.

"So I feel like my second career could be in jeopardy, so I'm done fighting...

Continued here... (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/ufc/2651063/Rampage-Jackson-Dana-White-forced-UFC-exit.html)

[Misfit]

I'm so sick of Rampage right now, total bitch move on his part. Talks about how bad he wants to fight Evans and then walks away. He's a fighter, they retire all the damn time, he'll be back after the A-team flops.

I just don't care if he comes back or not. He's good but the dude's head is fucked IMO. Not sure if it's from too much RedBull, getting hit to much or just not having that much up stairs to begin with.

[Rich Davie]

Dana goes on the Rampage
By MARK GILBERT
Published: 16 Sep 2009

DANA WHITE has blasted Quinton Jackson's decision to accept the role of BA Baracus in the forthcoming A-Team movie.
The Sun scooped the world in August by revealing Rampage, 30, had agreed to play the part made famous by Mr T in the 80s TV series.

And now, UFC president White has confirmed what we were first to report in an amazing rant to a US radio station.

Speaking about Jackson's choice to trade the Octagon for the silver screen, White told The Dam show: "I hate it. I can't tell you how much I hate it. I'm so mad at Rampage over this.

"He's a guy we've taken under our wing the last few years — we really like him and have done a lot of good things for him.

"But for him to do this to me and pull out and do this goofy A-Team movie — I'm telling you, I'm not happy about it at all."

Jackson pulled out of a scheduled bout with Rashad Evans at UFC 107 on December 12 to take the part of Baracus in the TV adaptation...

Continued here... (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/ufc/2640816/Dana-goes-on-the-Rampage.html)

[Rich Davie]

Can't blame Dana for being pissed... I can understand Rampage's desire to secure a future for himself, but it's kinda fucked-up to disregard existing business commitments for what Quinton thinks will be a solid career in the movie industry.

In the movie industry you're only as good as your last project, and if the A-Team bombs (which I think it has a good chance to be less than a stellar success) then Rampage just might have burned his bridges with the Zuffa organization.

[Misfit]

Can't blame Dana for being pissed... I can understand Rampage's desire to secure a future for himself, but it's kinda fucked-up to disregard existing business commitments for what Quinton thinks will be a solid career in the movie industry.

In the movie industry you're only as good as your last project, and if the A-Team bombs (which I think it has a good chance to be less than a stellar success) then Rampage just might have burned his bridges with the Zuffa organization.


I agree, plus it was a fight already setup. He ducks Machida to fight Evans and then ducks Evans to say "I pity the fool". Him, this line seems to be very fitting for Rampage nowadays. :evil:

[MMA Guru]

I don't remember ANY fans booing after Rampage beat Chuck, in fact I was cheerin' my butt off when I saw that, huh, oh well, Rampages ego gets bruised once and he's out. Good bye crazy dude.

[Misfit]

I'm saying he will be back within a year.

[Brunow]

I'm so sick of Rampage right now, total bitch move on his part. Talks about how bad he wants to fight Evans and then walks away. He's a fighter, they retire all the damn time, he'll be back after the A-team flops.

I just don't care if he comes back or not. He's good but the dude's head is fucked IMO. Not sure if it's from too much RedBull, getting hit to much or just not having that much up stairs to begin with.
Agreed.

Rampage is clearly acting like a bitch.., he needs to pull his shit together and make up his fucking mind.

[Brunow]

I'm saying he will be back within a year.
Yeah .., he probably will. But he needs to start acting like a grown man for God's sake.