Biography and Profile of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

The biography of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson starts on June 20, 1978 in Memphis, TennesseeJackson fights for the UFC and trains out of Wolfslair Academy in England.Jackson wrestled for Raleigh-Egypt High School, where he eventually was named to the All-State Team as a senior after finishing 5th at the Tennessee State Tournament at 189 lbs. After high school, Jackson considered getting into professional wrestling, but instead got involved in amateur wrestling at the junior college level.

When the UFC asked if he went to college and if so what degree he earned, Jackson said that he did go to college and, "got a da kick out degree.”

He also worked as a construction worker before becoming a fighter.

Jackson’s first MMA fight came on November 13, 1999, against Mike Pyle at an ISCF event in Memphis. Though Pyle would eventually become known as a good MMA fighter himself, the bout was his debut as well.

Jackson won by way of decision. Including that fight, he managed to reel off a record of 10-1 while competing in King of the Cage, Gladiator Challenge, and other smaller venues. His lone loss came at the hands of Marvin Eastman via decision.

That’s when the big time came calling: The PRIDE Fighting Championships.

Jackson made his debut in the now defunct Japan-based PRIDE Fighting Championships on July 29, 2001, against MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba. Though Jackson lost by way of rear naked choke, he did well enough to impress the PRIDE brass. From there, he amassed a 12-5 record with the organization.

Despite defeating some of the game's biggest names while with PRIDE, Rampage lost twice to their longtime middleweight champion, Wanderlei Silva. Thus, he was never able to achieve the championship status he so desired while with the organization.

Jackson defeated Matt Lindland in a WFA bout after PRIDE fell by way of decision before finally signing with the UFC. After avenging an early loss to Marvin Eastman, the organization gave their longtime light heavyweight champion, Chuck Liddell, a shot at avenging his earlier loss to Jackson.

But instead it was Jackson who came through with a stunning first round knockout to take the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. From there, he managed to defeat Dan Henderson before losing the title to Forrest Griffin. Rampage continues to be a light heavyweight contender in the organization.

The Dallas Cowboys have their Washington Redskins. The Ohio State Buckeyes have their Michigan Wolverines.

And Quinton Jackson has his Wanderlei Silva.

Silva dominated Jackson twice in Japan at PRIDE Final Conflict 2003 (TKO) and PRIDE 28: High Octane (KO via knees). In fact, the second knockout was so devastating that it took Rampage two fights afterwards before he began to look like the fighter he once was.

But at UFC 92 on 12/27/08, Jackson got another chance at him in a different organization and took advantage with a devastating first round knockout victory.

Jackson is one of the physically strongest 205 pound fighters in the world. He also demonstrates excellent wrestling skills and has good boxing with tremendous power on his feet.

Rampage is as much known for devastating slams as he is for howling before fights while wearing a dog chain. Though he has good submission defense, he is not known as an offensive submission fighter.

Jackson has four children. D'Angelo and Raja came from previous relationships. Elijah and Naname Nakia Jackson were born to he and his wife, Yuki. Though Yuki separated from him in 2006 after a blood test proved that he was Raja's father, they reconciled.

Jackson is a devout Christian that renewed his faith following a situation where he and his son D'Angelo woke to separate but similar dreams.

• Rampage defeats Ricardo Arona by KO (Slam) at PRIDE- Critical Countdown 2004: Arona, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu wizard, went for a triangle choke. Rampage picked him up, slammed him on the canvas, and left him out cold. This was one of the more amazing knockouts in MMA history.
• Rampage defeats Chuck Liddell by TKO at UFC 71- Liddell vs. Jackson: Despite the fact that Jackson had already defeated Liddell earlier in his career, most thought that The Iceman, who was as hot as any fighter at the time, would come through with a revenge victory. Instead, Jackson connected with a first round right hook and ended things soon after.
• Rampage defeats Wanderlei Silva by KO at UFC 92: Silva had dominated Rampage earlier in their careers. This time, one powerful Jackson left hook changed the story on this rivalry forever.