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Rampage Jackson Resolute in Leaving the UFC, but Promotion Holds Matching Rights

Rampage Jackson Resolute in Leaving the UFC, but Promotion Holds Matching Rights

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson made no bones about it leading up to his UFC on Fox 6 bout with Glover Teixeira. The last fight on his UFC contract would be his last fight in the Octagon.

Citing his unhappiness and what he perceived as a lack of respect from his employers, Rampage decided, win or lose, it was time to go.

His tune didn’t change much after losing to Teixeira either.

In fact, he sounded resigned to becoming a gun for higher to the top bidder.

“I been fighting for 13 years and the game has changed a lot. Maybe I’ll just be one of those fighters that come and incite the crowd and be like Gary Goodridge, one of the guys that just come on and put on a great show,” he said in his post-fight interview on Fuel TV.

“I’ll be one of those middle range fighters. If I’m a free agent, if a show wants to pick me up, want to put on exciting fights for their fans, I’m their guy.”

Rampage would, however, have to spend some time on the sidelines if he is headed to another promotion.

Although the Teixeira bout was the final one of his contract, the UFC still has time to match other offers if he signs elsewhere in the near term.

“I treated Rampage the exact same that I always have,” said UFC president Dana White on Tuesday’s episode of UFC Tonight. “And yes, we do have the right to match. I think we have a three-month right to match.”

Despite Rampage’s desire to fight elsewhere, White doesn't sound fazed by the former light heavyweight champion’s puzzling attitude about fighting for the UFC.

He holds no grudge.

He even sounded like he hasn’t given up the idea that Rampage may change his mind and return to the fold.

“I talked to his manager yesterday,” White continued. “I don't hate Rampage. I'm not out to hurt Rampage. We'll see how this thing plays out.”

Rampage, however, sounded resolute in his decision to leave the Octagon behind. He sounded like this would play out with him finding out if the grass is any greener on the other side.

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