Recently in Q. "Rampage" Jackson Category

By Brian Knapp, sherdog.com:
Former International Fight League heavyweight champion Roy Nelson "called his shot" when he ousted Internet street-fighting legend Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson on the latest episode of "The Ultimate Fighter" Season 10. Consider it his ode to the Sultan of Swat.

"I called it the night before," Nelson said during a Thursday teleconference. "I just wanted to point out to the guys that this was how I was going to win. And guess what? That's how I won. I did a Babe Ruth. I hit my home run."

Pegged as the Season 10 favorite by many pundits, Nelson strapped Slice in a crucifix and finished him with strikes on the ground in the second round of their heavyweight scrap, which aired to record ratings on Spike TV. According to preliminary figures, the episode drew 5.3 million viewers and peaked with 6.1 million during the actual fight.

DW saying Rampage caused "collateral damage."

By Gavin Vincent of fiveknuckles:
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's decision to sign a movie contract to play B.A. Baracus in the upcoming "A-Team" movie has left UFC officials, fans and experts with a sour taste in their mouth. Even Rampage's personal website is flooded with negative comments and accusations of him dodging what will be two consecutive fights.

Jackson was rumored to face Lyoto Machida for the light-heavyweight title but chose instead on to sign on as a TUF 10 coach to fight nemesis, Rashad Evans. As with all previous Ultimate Fighter seasons, the coaches generally square off against one another but his decision to do a movie instead has forced UFC President, Dana White, to play musical chairs with the main event for TUF 10 finale on Dec. 12.

Last week, White announced that a lightweight title fight between B.J. Penn and Diego Sanchez will replace the Jackson-Evans bout. White also announced Jackson's decision will have "collateral damage" but has not confirmed what those ramifications will be.

Jackson can't even escape criticism on his personal website as his homepage and "blog posts" section are flooded with negative comments and inappropriate posts.

Thanks to mmasportsreport.com:
The UFC 103 press conference was held today in Dallas, preceding this weekend's event headlined by Rich Franklin and Vitor Belfort. The conference was brief with Franklin, Belfort, and Junior Dos Santos saying a couple things about their fight.

Santos' opponent, Mirko Cro Cop, was not present though which President Dana White touched on.

"Cro cop holds the second-best record for wins in pride, and he also holds the best record for most press conferences missed," White said.

He also discussed boxing going head to head with UFC 103, and in an uncharacteristically relaxed demeanor said,

"I don't think us going against boxing is a good thing [for the fans]..." but regardless of the outcome this week on who sells more pay-per-views White said (speaking about the bad economy), "boxing is in trouble. The show we just did in Oklahoma had 75,000 people on a Wednesday night, and people came early at 3 p.m... You can combine WWE and boxing this year, and we beat them both."

Someone in the media asked him what he thought about Quentin Jackson doing the A-team movie and if the fight with Rashad would still take place at a later date.

"When the movie star's done doing his movie we'll find out when that fights happening... " he said criticizing Jackson. "He [Rich Franklin] did a movie when he wasn't fighting, like Randy Couture did."

"The crazy thing about Rampage is he's giving away a lot of money to do the A-Team. You can't fix stupid."

Speaking about Franklin fighting Belfort and how they both seem to be stuck in between fighting at middleweight and light heavyweight, White was asked on his thought about adding a weight class (possibly 195 pounds). He said he was not at all interested and did not want to make the same mistake as boxing did by having too many classes.

Belfort spoke about his fight and said that he likes Franklin and the fight "is going to be a classic"

I just watched the weigh-ins for tomorrow night's UFC 96 - Jackson vs. Jardine. Everyone made weight. I'd have to say the two most intense stare-downs were Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Shane Carwin and Jackson vs. Jardine.

It's also interesting to note that apparently Dana White had said that Kendall Grove, who's facing Jason "Dooms" Day on the card, could get bounced from the organization if he loses. Although Dana didn't say it, I'd say Brandon Vera might be in the same position, having lost three of his last four.

Carwin's fight against Gonzaga is a pivotal one for both fighters. Gonzaga's already had his title shot and lost to Randy Couture, but if he wins tomorrow night, it's one step closer to a second chance at the gold. If the 10-0 Carwin wins, he might be next in line (behind Frank Mir, if he's healthy) to challenge Brock Lesnar. I know people want to see Carwin/Lesnar because the two are very similar in size, and that would include me. Who doesn;tr want to see two behemotsh collide? As Gorilla Monsoon said, "it's the irresistable force meets the immovable object." Speaking of size, Gonzaga weighed in at 257, which I believe is his heaviest ever, to Carwin's 259. I wonder if the extra weight for Gonzaga will be a factor tomorrow night.

Here's all the weights, courtesy of bloodyelbow.com:
Quinton Jackson 205 Vs. Keith Jardine 204
Gabriel Gonzaga 257.5 Vs. Shane Carwin 259.5
Pete Sell 170 Vs. Matt Brown 170.5
Matt Hamill 205 Vs. Mark Munoz 204.5
Gray Maynard 155 Vs. Jim Miller 154.5
Tamdan McCrory 170 Vs. Ryan Madigan 169
Kendall Grove 185 Vs. Jason Day 184.5
Tim Boetsch 205 Vs. Jason Brilz 204
Brandon Vera 205 Vs. Michael Patt 204.5
Aaron Riley 155 Vs. Shane Nelson 155

I'll be there Saturday. Not sure about Tom, cameraman/video producer extraordinaire. I'll let you know when I find out.

Here's a post I found on the Sherdog forums by a guy named Carmichael Dave who has a new radio show called MMASH. Looks like he's getting some top-notch guests. Have a listen if you get a chance.

"Hey all....

We're in our third week now of the MMASH (MMA Show) on CBS Radio, and thanks for all the support along the way. Each week we are trying to get new cities and radio affiliates, and you guys have helped a TON.

This afternoon at 4pm PST, we will have both Dana White and Rampage Jackson from England. All in all, we'll get about 20 minutes with Dana and 10 with Quentin.

I already wrapped the Dana interview, and as usual when he comes on, he covered a lot of shit:

-Breaks down BJ/GSP, saying the greasing was "FUCKING ILLEGAL"
-Hadnt seen the quote, but would love to meet with Fedor in June

-Actually compliments Scott Coker and Strikeforce

-Also compliments internet message board users, and talks about his own usage

Seriously, I promise this stuff was said, as hard as it is to imagine.

In addition to Rampage and Dana, Sam Caplan from MMA & UFC News, Results, Opinion, and more will join us for our MMA Insider segment, calling from Seattle where he's covering the M-1 fights.

You can listen at 4pm Pacific at Northern California's Sports Station KHTK - Homepage (just click listen live).

The show will be available for podcast Monday. If you missed any of the previous shows, you can check them out at Northern California's Sports Station KHTK - Mmash-The Mixed Martial Arts Show

Next week Frank Shamrock and Scott Smith...."

from the OC Register:
SANTA ANA - Ultimate Fighting Championship brawler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson pleaded guilty today to felony evading police and misdemeanor reckless driving for a high-speed chase down Newport Boulevard last July that left a wake of crumpled cars and scared pedestrians.

Jackson, a former UFC champion and one its brightest stars, was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, seek mental heath therapy, and pay restitution to the people whose cars he damaged.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals said if Jackson, 30, successfully completes those terms, the felony charge will be dismissed against him and he will likely serve no time in jail when he is officially sentenced on Jan. 7, 2010.

Jackson, who said he was delirious from a lack of sleep and a lack of food when he launched the wild police chase on July 15, said he was ecstatic that he wasn't going into custody.

"No one wants to get to jail," he said after in an interview after pleading guilty. "But my main concern was that no one got hurt. I am so relieved and happy that no one was injured."

He said he decided to plead guilty because he didn't want to put the other drivers through the ordeal of a trial.

"I feel sorry for everything that happened, and I apologize," he said.

Carol Lavacot, his attorney, said Jackson wanted from the beginning to take responsibility for the episode.

She said he will spend his 200 hours of community service speaking to youth groups.

"He has learned a great deal about his physical body and about mental health" she said.

Rampage

Evans

from fannation.com
UFC president Dana White on a radio show appearance Monday expressed his interest in seeing Rashad Evans make his first light heavyweight title defense against former champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. "I'd love to see Rashad and Rampage," White said on The Carmichael Dave Show on Sports 1140 KHTK. "I think that's a fun fight." A concern with Jackson in a title situation is that the fighter is currently facing two felony (driving recklessly, evading police) and three misdemeanor charges (hit and run) that could place him in jail for up to three years. However, White is confident that Jackson's legal problems will not be an issue and will not play a part in the UFC's matchmaking process.

Ted's Take: Will Rampage get the shot next? If he can clear up his legal troubles, probably. He's a bigger draw than Lyoto Machida or Thiago Silva, who will fight at UFC 94 on Jan. 31. The winner of that fight - both are undefeated at 13-0 - should really be the next contender for the LHW title, but Jackson, being a former champ, and given his recent destruction of Wanderlei Silva, will most likely get it. I don't see Jackson getting the better of Rashad in their match-up, but I do see Rashad losing the title to Machida in late 2009, if my crystal ball is working - ha-yow!

I just watched the UFC 92 weigh-ins on msn sports. Let's get right to the grudge match of the night, Wanderlei Silva vs. Rampage Jackson:

Wanderlei came out first, had his head shaved, and looked cut. He weighed in at 203. Then Rampage came out, and he looked pretty cut too, much better than his fight with Griffin, and weighed in at 206.

Then came time for the stare-down, and you just knew sparks were gonna fly. The get about three inches from each other, maybe less, and Wanderlei starts with his classic stare-down, moving his head back and forth, his eyes boring into Rmapage. Rampage is smiling, and then he says something to Wanderlei, who then shoves him and I believe, then walks off the stage.

The camera focuses on Rampage, who faces the crowd, does the throat slash, and then the thumbs-down sign.

Joe Rogan then said, "I'll tell you what, ladies and gentlemen, that is going to be a crazy fight!"

So we've got some pre-fight fireworks, just as everyone expected - Wanderlei trying to intimidate Rampage, Rampage trying to get inside Wanderlei's head, even though he's lost to the guy twice. So, was Rampage's psych-out thing just a cover for the doubts he has going into the fight? Who knows. Did Rampage's antics have an effect on Wanderlei, maybe get him steaming through the night, making him use up valuable energy? Again, we'll see tomorrow night.

On to the rest of the weigh-ins for the main card:

-- Mike Massenzio, 184 vs. CB Dollaway, 186.
-- Mustapha Al-Turk, 237 vs. Chiek Kongo, 233. Kongo did a head-thrust toward Al-Turk as they squared off, but Al-Turk seemed unfazed.
-- Frank MIr, 251 vs. Antonio Minotauro Nogueira, 246.
-- Rashad Evans, 203 vs. Forrest Griffin, 205. The two had a very respectful stare-donw, shaking eachother's hands a couple times.

This one traces pretty much their entire history, from PRIDE to the UFC.

This one looks at the Chute Boxe-Hammer House rivalry in PRIDE, plus Wanderlei-Rampage, to the tune of the movie 300's music and words.

This comes from sherdog.com member "Bowpon Mihooda" don't ask me what that means ... God, I hope it's not some major curse in a foreign language. ... Anyway, although I am a Wanderlei Silva fan, I think this fight won't be easy for him. Despite Rampage's mental breakdown, despite him losing the title to Forrest, despite training overseas, despite Wanderlei's two previous wins over him, he is still a dangerous fighter. And this is MMA, anything can happen. But, even so, you wonder how Rampage sleeps at night:

Thanks to Tracy Lee from combatlifestyle.com

Rampage Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva

Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir

Now that's a photo: Three fighters in UFC 92's triple main event, training together: Wanderlei Silva, who fights Rampage Jackson in the sport's biggest grudge match, Forrest Griffin, who defends his LHW title against Rashad Evans and Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, who defends his interim HW belt against Frank Mir.

from Wand's Web site:
Along with coaches Amaury Bitetti and Rodrigo Artilheiro, Rodrigo Minotauro set off this Friday (December 12) for Las Vegas, where the final of the eighth season of the The Ultimate Fighter reality show will take place. In the USA, Minota will only return after his December 27 challenge against Frank Mir. And for this UFC fight to determine who will challenge Brock Lesnar for the definitive UFC heavyweight belt, the Brazilian will count on a big-name buddy: Wanderlei Silva.

In the past the news would be hard to believe, since the two fighters belonged to teams with a fierce rivalry - BTT and Chute Boxe, - but the current MMA panorama makes it clear those days are gone. These days professionalism comes first and, as the two will go to battle on the same day (Wanderlei faces Quinton Jackson), so they decided nothing could be better than making a union between compatriots.

"We're going to be in the corners for the final fights of the TUF house. After the event, we'll stick around till Minotauro's fight," said coach Amaury Bitetti, who added:

"We should train at Wanderlei's gym, in Las Vegas, and use the structure he has set up there. Rafael Alejarra, who's a really cool guy, and Wanderlei himself invited us. We'll train together and put together a strategy. We'll be mostly swapping information," said Bitetti, who, when asked if Nog and Wand would be training together, responded:

"That's right. United we stand!"

from FightersOnly magazine:
Wanderlei Silva says he was approached with an offer to train under Juanito Ibarra for his forthcoming fight with Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson.

Ibarra was Jackson's coach and manager until the former light-heavyweight champion moved to the Wolfslair team following an acrimonious split.

Appearing on Brazil Combate TV yesterday, Silva said: "I've received a letter from someone offering training with Juanito to me, but I didn't care to accept it.

The letter "contained phone numbers that I could use to get in touch with Juanito, but I threw it away," he added.

"I think it's unethical to accept the former coach of my opponent, and if Juanito is doing this with Rampage, he may do the same with me later."

Silva and Jackson, who are long-standing rivals, will square off for a third time at UFC 92 on December 27th.

John Joe O'Regan

Click here to see the site.

I don't know much about betting, but looking at what the odds are on a fight can sometimes give you insight into how other people view the fights.

So, what I've picked up is that the guy with the "-" in front of his name is favored to win over the guy with the "+" in front of his name. You'd think it'd be the other way around. Anyway, here's something you don't see often - Silva and Jackson are even. As much as I like Wanderlei, I have to agree - the fight could go either way.

from mmamania.com:

Mir +225
Nog -350

Jackson -120
Silva -120

Griffin -150
Evans +110

An extended look at Nogueira-Mir, Griffin-Evans and Silva-Jackson.

This is a new video of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson training at Wolfslair in England for his UFC 92 fight with Wanderlei Silva. Some of the fanboys on the Internet have said Rampage looks and sounds "absent-minded" "dead tired" "on something" or "really focused." Knowing what he's been through the past few months, I'm not sure. But with all the training he's been doing, I guess at this point, I'll go with "tired." I don't know -- watch the video - you decide.

Rampage training at wolfslair in England

from Sherdog.com forums:
Ricky Hatton goes into this weekend's light welterweight boxing clash against Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas without the aid of long-time strength and nutrition coach Kerry Kayes. However, the Manchester conditioning coach has stayed in combat sports.

In addition to taking up a post as fitness consultant for Manchester City football club, Kayes has become a consultant for the Wolf's Lair MMA Academy in Runcorn, which is the home to elite UFC fighters Michael 'the Count' Bisping and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson.

'Rampage' is currently deep into his training camp for his third collision with Wanderlei Silva at UFC 92 on December 27. After losing the two previous bouts in Japan, Jackson has enlisted former Team Hatton strength coach Kayes to maximize his preparations for his crucial bout at the MGM Grand at Christmas.

More snorkel-tastic fun!

...Not to mention Jackson and Herring. But I think the real star is Hector Echavarria, an Argentinian karate and taekwondo world champ, whose been starring in movies since 1986. His Wikipedia entry says that he "has also trained and taught martial arts to Mixed Martial Arts super stars such as Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Cheik Kongo, and currently Hector is working with BJ Penn."

Here's some new stuff from the kings of MMA:

The Web site is up for UFC 92, which airs Dec. 27 and has three main events: Nogueira vs. Mir, Griffin vs. Evans and W. Silva vs. Jackson. See it here.

Also, several of the major MMA Web sites/blogs are reporting that the battle of two undefeated LHWs, Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva, has been rescheduled for UFC 94 on Jan. 31.

In addition, a possible match-up for UFC 95 on Feb. 21 is Anderson Silva vs. Chuck Liddell.

Brazilian MMA Web site tatame.com interviewed Wanderlei Silva's former trainer, Rafael Cordeiro, who said that Rampage Jackson tried to hire him - presumably to get an edge on Wandy in preparation for their third fight at UFC 92. Rampage should have known about Brazilian loyalty ...

Q: You were at Wandelei Silva's corner when he defeated Quinton Jackson twice at Pride... What are your predictions for this fight, now in UFC?

A:I'm sure it'll be another knockout. If Wanderlei shows the same game he always showed, he'll bring to Brazil another victory. He knows Quinton's game, but unfortunately Quinton knows his too, but he may had bad memories of that... In fact, when I was here I heard some rumors that Quinton wanted to train with me, and when I knew that it was his preparation to fight with Wanderlei I didn't accept. Everybody is professional, but there are things that money can't buy. I heard this rumors, I have nothing against him, I'm a professional, but not that much, train someone to fight someone that already trained with me.

Cordeiro

from Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports:
As recently as Monday, UFC president Dana White said there were "lots of moving parts" as he tried to complete the company's end-of-year fight cards.

On Wednesday, he at least got the top three fights of UFC 92 finalized. The co-main events will feature the interim heavyweight title match between champion Antonio Rodrigo and Frank Mir. Forrest Griffin will defend the light heavyweight title against Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson will meet Wanderlei Silva, who defeated him twice when they fought in PRIDE.

The Jackson-Silva card had been considered for UFC 91, when the card was slated to be in Portland, Ore., as well for UFC 94, which will be Jan. 31 in Las Vegas.

But White said he wanted to "stack" the UFC's traditional New Year's Eve weekend card and managed to do so by putting four of the company's most popular fighters on the card.

The UFC has officially moved the fight card across Las Vegas Blvd. from Mandalay Bay to the MGM Grand Garden.

Jackson will be fighting for the first time since losing the light heavyweight belt to Griffin at UFC 86 on July 5 and a bizarre traffic incident on July 15 in suburban Los Angeles. Jackson was driving on the wrong side of the road and on sidewalks and fled even while being chased by police.

He was charged with two felonies and three misdemeanors and has pled not guilty. He has a Nov. 3 court appearance scheduled.

White has said no drugs or alcohol were involved and that Jackson's actions were fueled by "delirium" caused by days of little sleep, little food and water and excessive intake of energy drinks.

Hosts Tiffany Simons and Mike Chiappetta talk about Kimbo vs. Ken, Andrei Arvolvski, Dana White and Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson.

Wand

Rampage

Lyoto

Thiago

Bloodyelbow.com is saying that we'll Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 92 on Dec. 27 (Web sites had previously said the fight would be at UFC 91) and Thiago Silva vs. Lyoto Machida at UFC 93 on Jan. 31.

Two tremendous fights there with four of the top LHW fighters in the world. After Rashad takes on Forrest for the LHW title, maybe what will happen is the winners of these two bouts will fight each other to see who faces the champ.

One thing to keep in mind with T. Silva vs. Machida is that both fighters are undefeated, so one of e'm is walking away with an L, which sucks because I'm a fan of both of them. But, hey a win gets them one step closer to a title shot.

powered by ODEO

This week, Tom and I talk about Afflcition partnering with Golden Boy, the possible Silva vs. Rampage fight and my recent trip to LionHeart Fighters.

Even though the UFC has not confirmed Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 91, Silva posted MMAJunkie's story about the possible fight on his Web site, along with this gif. So, does that mean it's on? You tell me.

from mmajunkie.com:
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (28-7 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has begun preparations for a UFC 91 fight with Wanderlei Silva (32-8-1 MMA, 2-3 UFC).

Sources within Jackson's new camp at the Wolfslair Academy tell MMAjunkie.com that Jackson has agreed to the Nov. 15 bout and has already begun a six-week fight camp with the U.K.-based team.

However, the UFC has yet to announce the bout, and neither fighter could publicly confirm the match-up.

The Jackson-Silva bout will likely serve as the co-main event to UFC 91's headline fight of UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar. The fight card, which also includes Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson, takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

All right, so by now you've probably heard that Rashad Evans knocked out Chuck Liddell. Cold. With one punch. As much as I don't care for Evans' showboating, you have to respect his abilities.

The first question is where does this leave The Iceman? Fighters can come back from devastating knockout losses. Wanderlei Silva did it - he had back-to-back knockout losses, courtesy of Cro Cop and Hendo. Before the fight with Rashad, Chuck talked about making another run at the title, implying that it would be a great way to end his career, but he also talked about fighting for years to come - a little Randy Couture, anyone?

Maybe it's time to get a new trainer. I know Chuck considers John Hackleman family, but something might need to be fixed. Jerod Phillips, who owns Tap or Sleep fightwear, hit the proverbial nail on the head: They finally started figuring Chuck out. He throws looping punches, and he keeps his hands down low. Couture, in their first meeting, got inside and dirty boxed him, evading the looping, yet dangerous bombs that Chuck can unleash.

Silva unleashed a vicious muay Thai clinch against Rampage in their two fights in PRIDE.

MMARated.com has learned that a light heavyweight bout between Wanderlei Silva and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has been offered to both fighters for UFC 91 on November 15th and is very close to being finalized.

The addition of Silva vs. Jackson to a UFC 91 card that is already headlined by Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight title would put this pay-per-view in position to be the highest-grossing PPV in UFC history. Currently, UFC 66 holds that distinction since that event - headlined by a rematch between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz - grossed $5,397,300 in live gate revenue and just over a million in pay-per-view buys.

This would be the third meeting between Silva and Jackson. "The Axe Murderer" holds two wins over Jackson while they were members of the PRIDE Fighting Championships in 2003 and 2004.

Silva was last seen defeating Keith Jardine in devastating fashion at UFC 84 while I'm not quite sure what Jackson has been up to lately. If anyone out there knows, please let us know.

Man, that is a small photo. Probably the smallest I've ever used on this site. If you can't see it, it really is Rampage training at Wolfslair, I think.

Anyway, we had heard that Rampage had kicked trainer Juanito Ibarra to the curb. But who imagined he'd end up in England? Well, I guess we should have figured, since he and Michael Bisping are good friends. It'll be interesting to see what kind of fighter he turns out to be after some training there.

From fightersonlymagazine.com:
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson has joined the Wolfslair fight team, Fighters Only can exclusively reveal.

The Wolfslair is home to top British fighters Michael Bisping and Paul Kelly; gym owners Anthony McGann and Lee Gwynne confirmed earlier today that Jackson has signed a three-year deal.

"Wolfslair management has been advising Quinton over the past couple of weeks and he has decided to join the team with Michael Bisping and Paul Kelly," said McGann.

He said Jackson's former coach, Juanito Ibarra, "has resigned as Quinton's manager and will now be concentrating on his other up-and-coming prospects. The split was amicable and they have parted on good terms".

Jackson said he chose to join the Wolfslair "because those guys got it together. Michael Bisping took to me like a brother from the first time I met him. He and Anthony were very hospitable towards me when I first came to the UK.

Don't know how this is going to happen with the felony charges he's facing. I'm just hoping for swift justice - if he's guilty, let him take whatever punishement the court metes out; if he's innocent, get him back in the Octagon.

Rampage Jackson says he hasn't heard anything from the UFC regarding a rematch with Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua.

Speaking to Fighters Only earlier today, he said: "I didn't know anything about Shogun, I was trying to get Wanderlai Silva, I was told I might be fighting him."

"But to be honest with you, I don't really give a damn who I fight, I just want to fight and show the world that Rampage is the best when he gets the best elements around him and the best training."

But one fight he definitely does want is a rematch with Forrest Griffin, after losing a controversial decision - and he light-heavyweight belt - to him last month.

Regarding that fight, he says: "I just want my fans to know, I was at my worst and Forrest was at his best - and I still beat him.

He added: "A man is not a man if he can't 'fess up to when he gets his ass kicked. See me, if I get my ass kicked I am like 'yeah, I got my ass kicked'.

from TMZ.com:
The Orange County District Attorney has charged Rampage with one felony count of evading while driving recklessly, one felony count of evading a peace officer, three misdemeanor counts of hit and run, and one misdemeanor reckless driving.

You'll recall Rampage was driving a monster truck with a huge image of himself plastered on the side (always a bad move when you're evading police) when he allegedly struck two cars on a freeway, hit another car on a surface street and sent pedestrians scurrying for their lives.

If convicted he'll face three years in prison.

Now, shock of shocks. He was NOT charged with DUI. And, a few days after the incident, a pregnant woman in the car he hit on the freeway lost her baby, but Rampage was not charged for that after an investigation revealed that the miscarriage was unrelated to the accident.

powered by ODEO
Tom Joyce and I give our picks for the upcoming UFC 88 - Breakthrough event, discuss the KJ Noons- Nick Diaz-EliteXC feud and break down steroids in MMA.

Ok, here's three fights that really impressed me so far this year. The biggest factor I look for is a battle that is evenly fought, where either guy could win it at any time, where it almost boils down to a battle of wills, who's gonna quit first, or who pulls something out of his butt and wins the fight:

-- Jonathan Goulet vs. Kuniyoshi Hironaka at UFC 83

-- Carlos Condit vs. Hirmitsu Miura at WEC 35

-- Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson at UFC 86

and the latest addition:
-- Georges St-Pierre vs. Jon Fitch at UFC 87

Toward the end of the year, I might add a few more fights and more detailed descriptions of each one (maybe some video too).

Tracy Lee's combatlifestyle has all the pics from the UFC Seek and Destroy press conference. Here's some of the best:

Dana White stands behind Rampage ... er, in front of Rampage.

Battle of the Titans: Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring

The dapper St-Pierre vs. regular guy Fitch

Roger Huerta: "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!"

Ken-Flo; Man, I sure hope I don't have to review my own loss on the next episode of MMA Live!

This was uploaded on Youtube on Wednesday.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson appears to be in better spirits as he relaxes with two of his kids. Tracy Lee posted these recent photos on her Web site, combatlifestyle.

It wasn't all that long ago that Rampage lived up his name, getting arrested and then committed to an institution.

Looks like we may see Rampage vs. Silva III in the fall after all.

powered by ODEO

We're back with a vengeance ... not really, just always wanted to say that. Anyway, Tom Joyce and I give you our opinions on the latest goings-on in the wild-and-wooly world of MMA. Enjoy, dammit!

Hopefully, Rampage is on his way back, because who wouldn't want to see Silva-Jackson III?:"the UFC is said to be interested in a November return for Rampage with a third fight against Silva."

By Josh Gross, si.com:
On July 15, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, lived up to his nickname. But not in a positive light.

After treating the 55 Freeway near Newport Beach, Calif., as a demolition derby, crashing into multiple cars with his raised Ford truck (which had his image emblazoned on the side), Jackson soon found himself behind prison bars.

"I was very scared for him," said a source close to Jackson who asked not to be identified.

Rampage's seismic shift from an idolized mixed martial artist began after he relinquished his title on points to Forrest Griffin UFC 86 on July 5. The decision to fire Juanito Ibarra, his trainer, manager and occasionally spiritual mentor, came shortly thereafter. A lack of food and sleep compounded unsettling behavior, and TMZ photos of Jackson face down in the street at the rear of his Bigfoot-inspired truck -- its left front tire shredded -- documented the result of a dangerous chase with police

Well, at least he still has the Audi. ... seriously, it sounds to me that he needs some medical help and I hope he gets it. I wish Rampage the best.

From TMZ.com:
Sources say around 4:30 PM yesterday, friends who were hanging out with Rampage, waved down an Irvine police car after they were worried about his behavior. This, of course, following the insane chase the day before in which the UFC fighter hit several cars in his monster truck and was arrested at gunpoint.

We're told Irvine cops saw Rampage, deemed him a danger to himself and others, and took him to a hospital for observation. Rampage was very coopertive with police.

Cops won't officially confirm if it's a psychiatric hold.

Thanks to tmz.com