Challenges in the Life of Rampage Jackson in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Rampage Jackson faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

1999: Fathered a child with another woman

In 1999, Rampage Jackson fathered a child with another woman, which led to his separation from his wife in 2006.

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.

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.

2003: Father Returns to Jackson's Life

In 2003, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's drug-addicted father, who disappeared when Jackson was 10 years old, returned to his life.

2006: Separation from Wife

In 2006, Rampage Jackson and his wife separated after a paternity test revealed he had fathered a child with another woman in 1999. Although they initially reconciled, they have since divorced.

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.

July 15, 2008: Arrest for Reckless Driving and Hit and Run

On July 15, 2008, Rampage Jackson was arrested in Costa Mesa on suspicion of felony reckless driving and felony hit and run after striking several vehicles and leading officers on a chase. He was driving on the wrong side of the street and city sidewalks in his lifted Ford F-350.

July 18, 2008: Dana White's Comments on Jackson's Condition

On July 18, 2008, UFC President Dana White stated that Rampage Jackson had been detained and was suffering from mental illness due to dehydration and lack of sleep. White mentioned that no drugs were found in Jackson's system.

August 28, 2008: Plea of Not Guilty

On August 28, 2008, Rampage Jackson pleaded not guilty to charges including evading police, hit and run, and reckless driving. He faced up to 3 years in prison if convicted.

January 8, 2009: Guilty Plea and Plea Agreement

On January 8, 2009, Rampage Jackson pleaded guilty to one felony count of evading a police officer and one misdemeanor count of driving recklessly as part of a plea agreement.

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.

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.

2009: Inappropriate Conduct with Reporters

In 2009, Rampage Jackson engaged in inappropriate behavior with reporters, including dry-humping Heather Nichols on camera during an interview, and grabbing, groping, and humping an unidentified Japanese reporter from behind, leading to the reporter squirming away.

May 2010: Dismissal of Lawsuit

In May 2010, the woman dismissed her lawsuit against Rampage Jackson. The details on whether a settlement was reached are unclear.

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.

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.

2011: Inappropriate Behavior towards Karyn Bryant

In 2011, Rampage Jackson made sexually explicit comments and simulated a sexual act by sticking his face in reporter Karyn Bryant's cleavage, leading to condemnations and assessments of the incident as bordering on assault.

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.

2012: Satirical Video and Condemnation

In 2012, Rampage Jackson starred in a satirical video entitled "How to Pick Up a Gurl – Fast", suggesting the use of chloroform and zip ties, as well as sneaking up on women in parking lots while wearing a condom. Several women's organizations called for the UFC to pull Jackson from his upcoming bout.

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.

2013: Inappropriate Comments Toward Karyn Bryant

In 2013, Rampage Jackson directed more highly inappropriate comments toward female reporter Karyn Bryant during an interview, shortly after a petition was published seeking his removal from the UFC.

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.

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.

2014: Explanation for Reckless Driving

In 2014, Rampage Jackson claimed that the reason behind his reckless driving incident was an attempt to reach a friend's house to prevent them from committing suicide.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

September 18, 2025: Son Raja's Arrest for Felony Assault

On September 18, 2025, Rampage Jackson's son Raja was arrested in Los Angeles and booked on a felony assault charge for attacking an independent wrestler. He is held on $50,000 bail and faces four to seven years in prison if convicted. He pled not guilty on October 9 and is due back in court on November 24.