Quinton "Rampage" Jackson: A New View

Pro Fighting Fans' Editor Scott Dryden takes a look at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in our new column "A Letter From the Editor"

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UFC 114 features a heated rivalry in the main event as Rampage Jackson will throw leather with Rashad Evans. I’ll leave the predictions to our knowledgeable staff of writers (Rampage will win by the way) as they have predictions and feature pieces in place including a live blog the night of the event. As I was contemplating both combatants I realized my opinion of both Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson has dramatically changed. In Rashad’s case, I watched his antics at UFC 88 first hand as I was cage side covering the event. His celebratory actions were a little over the top and out of line as the boos cascaded down. The post fight press conference was no different. However as time has passed, I’ve witnessed Rashad grow as a fighter and as a person. Yes, he still talks trash, but The Ultimate Fighter showed his passion for coaching and his intelligent side. Although in a different light, my view of Rampage has changed as well. In fact I’ve become a fan of the humorous Jackson. I’ll share his history and why my respect has grown for the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

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Rampage’s popularity was born in the Pride Fighting Championship where he was known for his outrageous howls, the chain around his neck and most of all his powerful slams. Rampage was a charismatic star who survived on talent alone. Prior to entering the UFC, Jackson held a career record of 26-5. Despite his tremendous record, Rampage was known for his brutal losses as much as his impressive victories. He lost twice to the “Axe Murderer,” once in brutal fashion, and an equally violent loss to current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Shogun Rua. The only thing more vicious than Shogun’s knees was Rampage’s corner refusing to stop the fight. Rampage had a tremendous stint in Pride then finished his pre-UFC career with a victory over Matt Lindland at WFA.

The hype surrounding Jackson’s UFC debut was extensive. The Memphis brawler didn’t disappoint as he dominated Marvin Eastman then defeated Chuck Liddell for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title. He then defeated the great Dan Henderson before being upset by Forrest Griffin at UFC 86. From there Rampage bounced back by getting vengeance against Wanderlei Silva then defeated Keith Jardine at UFC 96.

I, like most, was pulling hard for Forrest Griffin at UFC 86 and was thrilled by his victory. But after Griffin's upset, Rampage went into a downward spiral as he fled police in a high speed pursuit eventually crashing into another vehicle. To many this incident cemented their view of the talkative Jackson and at the time I completely agreed. My opinion of Rampage was also reinforced at UFC 88. Although Rampage was cordial during our brief discussion, there was something about his cockiness that didn’t set well with me. That opinion didn’t change throughout his UFC stint until recently.

During The Ultimate Fighter Rampage was comical and passionate but lacked the intellect and the coaching skills of Rashad. Yet, his competitiveness and passion won me over. Yes, Rampage “retired” and let down many fans by choosing acting (Rampage plays BA Baracus in The A-Team) over fighting but his choice showed courage to stand up to UFC President Dana White. His stint on the couch didn’t last long and finally the long-awaited battle between Evans and Jackson will take place.

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Although his antics have overshadowed his immense talent, the fact is Rampage is a great fighter. His defense is tremendous and his punching power may be the best in the business. Rampage made a decision, following his loss to Griffin, to enhance his training and become more disciplined. He started training at Wolfslair Academy in England joining the likes of Michael Bisping. This combined with Jackson’s talent, his showmanship and his style of fighting have won me over. I believe Jackson can be the biggest icon in the entire sport. His showmanship outranks all fighters in the UFC, including Brock Lesnar. He promotes fights better than any in the sport and with a victory will get his shot at the title and to avenge a loss against Shogun Rua. It could be an amazing turnaround for the gregarious Jackson with just one victory over Evans. With a victory over Shogun, Rampage could possibly face Anderson Silva. I for one would love to see that happen.

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By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief