Career Timeline of Rampage Jackson: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rampage Jackson made an impact.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is an American former mixed martial artist, actor, kickboxer, professional wrestler, and streamer. He is known for his accomplishments in MMA, including winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, the Bellator Season 10 Light Heavyweight Tournament Championship, and unifying the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with the Pride FC World Middleweight Championship. His aggressive fighting style and personality made him a star in Pride FC in Japan, and later, he played a significant role in popularizing MMA globally during his time in the UFC.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2001: Pride FC Debut

In 2001, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson made his debut in Japan's Pride organization against Kazushi Sakuraba at Pride 15. Despite losing via rear naked choke, Jackson captivated fans with his exciting performance and gained their respect.

July 14, 2002: Kickboxing Victory over Cyril Abidi

On July 14, 2002, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson secured a kickboxing victory over Cyril Abidi under K-1 rules. He overwhelmed Abidi from the start, knocking him out in the first round.

2003: Pride Middleweight Grand Prix

In 2003, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson participated in Pride's Middleweight Grand Prix. He defeated Murilo Bustamante and Chuck Liddell, but lost to Wanderlei Silva in the tournament finals after a referee stoppage due to knees to the head.

2004: Victory over Ricardo Arona

In 2004, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson faced Ricardo Arona at Pride Critical Countdown, with the winner set to face Wanderlei Silva. Late in the first round, after being caught in a triangle choke, Jackson powerbombed Arona, securing a KO win.

May 16, 2006: Signing with World Fighting Alliance

On May 16, 2006, the World Fighting Alliance (WFA) announced it had signed Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to a multi-fight deal.

July 22, 2006: Victory over Matt Lindland at WFA

On July 22, 2006, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson defeated Matt Lindland by split decision at WFA: King of the Streets. Despite being caught in guillotine choke holds twice, Jackson managed to escape and ultimately secure the win.

December 11, 2006: UFC Acquires WFA Assets Including Jackson's Contract

On December 11, 2006, Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, announced its acquisition of select assets from the World Fighting Alliance (WFA), which ceased operations. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's WFA contract was among the acquired assets.

May 26, 2007: UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Victory

On May 26, 2007, at UFC 71, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson faced Chuck Liddell in a rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Jackson won the title by knocking out Liddell in the first round.

September 8, 2007: Unification of Titles at UFC 75

On September 8, 2007, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson defeated Pride Middleweight Champion Dan Henderson at UFC 75 in London via unanimous decision, unifying the UFC and Pride organizations' titles.

December 9, 2007: Coach on The Ultimate Fighter 7

On December 9, 2007, it was announced that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson would be one of the coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 7, alongside Forrest Griffin. During the show, Jackson displayed his temper due to his fighters' repeated losses.

July 5, 2008: Loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86

On July 5, 2008, at UFC 86, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson lost his light heavyweight championship title to Forrest Griffin by judges' decision. Despite landing power punches, Jackson was less aggressive than Griffin, who used leg kicks and ground game effectively.

March 7, 2009: Victory over Keith Jardine at UFC 96

On March 7, 2009, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson won against Keith Jardine at UFC 96 by unanimous decision. It was announced prior to the fight that the winner would face Rashad Evans for the Light Heavyweight Championship, however, Jackson suffered torn ligaments which kept him from fighting for the title.

June 2009: The Ultimate Fighter Season 10

In June 2009, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson began filming The Ultimate Fighter season 10, coaching against Rashad Evans, the season featured heavyweight competitors.

September 22, 2009: Jackson Announces Retirement (Briefly)

On September 22, 2009, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson announced on his blog that he was "done fighting" due to perceived maltreatment by the UFC.

December 4, 2009: Jackson Announces UFC Return

On December 4, 2009, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson announced his return to the UFC to finish his contract, expressing a desire to fight Rashad Evans.

March 24, 2010: Signs New UFC Contract

On March 24, 2010, Dana White announced that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC.

May 29, 2010: Loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 114

On May 29, 2010, at UFC 114, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson faced Rashad Evans, losing via unanimous decision. Despite hurting Evans in the third round, Jackson was unable to secure a finish.

June 7, 2010: Guest Appearance on WWE Raw

On June 7, 2010, Rampage Jackson made a special guest appearance on WWE Raw alongside Bradley Cooper and Sharlto Copley to promote the movie "The A-Team".

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November 20, 2010: Victory over Lyoto Machida at UFC 123

On November 20, 2010, at UFC 123, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson faced Lyoto Machida and won by a controversial split decision. UFC president Dana White supported the judges' decision.

May 28, 2011: Victory over Matt Hamill at UFC 130

On May 28, 2011, at UFC 130, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson defeated Matt Hamill by unanimous decision after Thiago Silva tested positive for banned substances. Jackson displayed a dominant performance, defending takedowns and winning striking exchanges.

September 24, 2011: Loss to Jon Jones at UFC 135

On September 24, 2011, at UFC 135, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson faced Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and lost by submission in the fourth round via a rear-naked choke. This marked the first time Jackson had been finished during his UFC run.

February 26, 2012: Loss to Ryan Bader at UFC 144

On February 26, 2012, at UFC 144, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson lost to Ryan Bader via unanimous decision. He missed the light heavyweight weight allowance, weighing in at 211 lbs. This marked the first time he suffered two consecutive losses.

October 13, 2012: Pulls Out of UFC 153 Fight

On October 13, 2012, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson pulled out of his scheduled fight against Glover Teixeira at UFC 153 due to an injury.

January 26, 2013: Loss to Glover Teixeira at UFC on Fox 6

On January 26, 2013, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson fought Glover Teixeira and lost by unanimous decision at UFC on Fox 6.

June 4, 2013: Signs with Bellator MMA and TNA Wrestling

On June 4, 2013, it was announced that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson had signed a multi-year deal with Spike TV, Bellator MMA, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

June 6, 2013: TNA Debut

On June 6, 2013, Rampage Jackson made his TNA debut on Impact Wrestling, engaging in a verbal confrontation with Kurt Angle.

June 2013: Signed deal with Bellator MMA

In June 2013, Rampage Jackson signed a deal with Bellator MMA, which later led to legal disputes when he attempted to return to the UFC.

November 15, 2013: Bellator Debut

On November 15, 2013, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson made his Bellator debut at Bellator 108 where he faced Joey Beltran, winning via knockout in round 1.

February 28, 2014: Knockout Victory Against Christian M'Pumbu

On February 28, 2014, Rampage Jackson faced Christian M'Pumbu in the Bellator 110 Season 10 Light Heavyweight Tournament semifinals and secured a knockout victory in the first round.

May 17, 2014: Victory over Muhammed Lawal and Subsequent Fine

On May 17, 2014, Rampage Jackson defeated Muhammed Lawal at Bellator 120, winning by unanimous decision. However, he was fined $10,000 by the Mississippi Athletic Commission for shoving Lawal during the pre-fight weigh-in. The head of MAC, Jon Lewis, threatened to pull Jackson from the fight due to insults related to the fine.

July 31, 2014: Departure from TNA

On July 31, 2014, Rampage Jackson stated in an interview with The Fight Nerd that he was done with TNA due to their operational methods. TNA subsequently moved his profile to the alumni section on their website, confirming his departure.

December 20, 2014: Return to UFC Amidst Contractual Disputes

On December 20, 2014, it was announced during UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway that Rampage Jackson had signed a new deal to return to the UFC. Bellator's president, Scott Coker, claimed that Jackson was still under contract and would pursue legal action. Jackson argued that Bellator had not honored his contract.

April 25, 2015: Victory over Fabio Maldonado at UFC 186 after legal battles

On April 25, 2015, Rampage Jackson fought Fabio Maldonado at UFC 186 and won by unanimous decision after a judge overturned an injunction by Bellator MMA that initially prevented him from competing for the UFC. The fight took place at a catchweight of 215 lbs.

February 16, 2016: Return to Bellator MMA

On February 16, 2016, Rampage Jackson settled his contractual disputes with Bellator MMA and announced his return to the promotion. He also enlisted celebrity sports nutritionist Edwina Cheer to advise him on nutrition and weight management.

June 24, 2016: Split Decision Victory Against Satoshi Ishii

On June 24, 2016, Rampage Jackson fought Satoshi Ishii at Bellator 157 and won via split decision.

March 31, 2017: Loss to Muhammed Lawal at Bellator 175

On March 31, 2017, Rampage Jackson faced Muhammed Lawal at Bellator 175 in a rematch of their Bellator 120 fight. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

November 9, 2017: Re-Signing with Bellator

On November 9, 2017, Rampage Jackson re-signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator.

January 20, 2018: Loss to Chael Sonnen in Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament

On January 20, 2018, Rampage Jackson faced Chael Sonnen in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament at Bellator 192. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

June 25, 2018: Announcement of Rematch with Wanderlei Silva

On June 25, 2018, it was announced that Rampage Jackson would fight Wanderlei Silva in a rematch on September 29 at Bellator 206.

October 9, 2019: Announcement of Fight Against Fedor Emelianenko

On October 9, 2019, Bellator MMA announced that Rampage Jackson would face Fedor Emelianenko on December 29, 2019, at a Bellator and Rizin co-produced event in Japan.

December 29, 2019: Loss to Fedor Emelianenko and End of Bellator Contract

On December 29, 2019, Rampage Jackson lost to Fedor Emelianenko via first-round knockout at a Bellator and Rizin co-produced event in Japan. This bout marked the last fight of his contract with Bellator, making him a free agent.

April 2, 2023: Victory at Fight Circus 6

On April 2, 2023, Rampage Jackson teamed up with Bob Sapp in a two-on-two boxing match at Fight Circus 6 in Thailand, defeating Jon Nutt and Andrew Wood by third-round KO. Jackson and Sapp were tied together wearing an oversized T-shirt.

January 31, 2024: Contract to Box Shannon Briggs

On January 31, 2024, Rampage Jackson announced that he had signed a contract to box former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs. The boxing match was planned for June 1 in Qatar but ultimately did not happen.

June 22, 2024: Victory at Bloodsport Bushido

On June 22, 2024, Rampage Jackson wrestled on the Bloodsport Bushido event organized by Josh Barnett in Tokyo, Japan, where he defeated Hideki Sekine by knockout.

2024: Appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show

In 2024, Rampage Jackson appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show #159 and described his match at Fight Circus to Joe Rogan as the "most fun he's ever had in a ring".

April 12, 2025: Boxing Bout with Rashad Evans Cancelled

On April 12, 2025, Rampage Jackson was scheduled to face Rashad Evans in a boxing bout at ICS Mania 1, but it was cancelled due to unfulfilled contractual obligations.