Exclusive: Rampage Jackson Says He Didn't Ask For Fight With Wanderlei Silva, But He'll Take It
In our recent talk with him, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson said it wasn’t his idea to take on Wanderlei Silva in his first fight back in the UFC since losing his title in July. The fight he asked for? A rematch with Forrest Griffin. The UFC, apparently, had other plans for him.
“Fighting is my job. That’s how I look at it. I didn’t ask for Wanderlei. I wanted a rematch with Forrest. But I don’t get to pick my fights. I fight the ones they give me, and they’re giving me Wanderlei.”
After everything that’s happened, Rampage seems more convinced than ever that he deserved to win the fight against Griffin.
“I still think I won that fight. I was the champ, and I think I did enough in that fight to stay the champ. You’re supposed to have to take the title away from the champion, and he didn’t do that. Even though it goes down on my record as a loss, I feel like I won that fight.
“I don’t see how anyone could give him that first round. I don’t know how a guy can get dropped and win the round. The judges must have been picking their noses or something, but I still feel like I won.”
Jackson was hesitant to comment on the situation that led to his split with Juanito Ibarra, but when asked about Tito Ortiz’s claims that Ibarra had been overcharging him for training camps, Jackson responded, “That was the small part of it. That was just one little thing he did.”
He says he hasn’t spoken to Ibarra since their split, and doesn’t intend to because “he’s just not a good person for me to be talking to.”
As for how the media spotlight coming into UFC 92 might affect him, coming off a loss and very public legal troubles, Jackson was quick to play down the extent of the pressure, particularly when it comes to winning and losing.
“This is why I miss Japan. American fans need to understand that there are no losers sometimes. Two guys go in there and one’s got to win and one’s got to lose. Every fight can’t be a draw, but if they both fight hard and do their best, there are no losers. Japanese fans understand that. American fans, they just want to be on your side when you’re winning. I don’t worry about what people think about me. I’m a fighter. It’s my job.”
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BDG Says:
thai is some true shit about the amrican fans. eveyone love you when you win and hates you when you lose. but they should respect that they get in there and fight like warriors for a lving
Anonymous Says:
"I make babies. It’s my job"
Fixed your quote
milo bing Says:
i agree with his point about the difference between the fans in japan and the fans in the states. joachim hansen also said some similar comments regarding his admiration for the japanese mma audience.
Kentucky Boy Says:
im with rampage American fans suck dick! thats why i hate football the fans are so fickle
sol Says:
gotta agree with the above poster and rampage's last comment.
Sometimes both fighters come out winners. Unless your name is Nick Serra.
sol Says:
just as an edit, i agree with BDG as that's the only post I could see when writing mine.
just some dong Says:
Too many knees to the head have made old 'page delusional. I agree that forrest didn't "take the belt away" from him, but he did pull out a very close decision. It could have gone either way, sure, but it would've been poor judging if forrest had lost. Most rounds were back-and-forth battles, but there were others that forrest largely dominated.
Wish I hadn't read this because I just lost some more respect for jackson.
nick Says:
is it me, or is Rampage's head getting larger and larger?
drewplate Says:
LOL @ sol... were you at that EliteXC fight in Jersey, too? And, in agreement with everyone else, there should be hit squads in arenas killing asshole American fans when they boo 2 guys putting their well being on the line in the cage if they're not mauling each other for 10 seconds. At least in Europe and elsewhere abroad people whistle. Japanese fans add to the beauty of watching a fight on TV, American fans detract from it.
Anonymous Says:
I like watching fighters go in there and give it their all. Rampage makes a good point about American fans. Everyone has their favorite fighters, I have people that I like and want to see win. But, so do the Japanese.
I think what makes Japanese fans different from American fans is their understanding and respect for the sport. Some people in America see it as two people beating the crap out of each other, or legalized fighting.
As for Forrest getting dropped and winning the round. That was all Rampage did that round pretty much, Forrest got back in with his strikes and leg kicks and controlled and came back from that.
Bas Rutten Says:
“I still think I won that fight" and you still think wrong, you are not a god either.
"but if they both fight hard and do their best, there are no losers" nope, there are still losers, they're the ones that do not win in case you need help figuring that out.
jomamma Says:
i still say rampage won as well but hey shit happens... it was close.
auzzy Says:
So do you have the full interview or when you get a chance to talk to the former champ you only ask him those questions everybody else has already asked him? Im serious I thought it said exclusive.
Ray Dove Says:
sometimes both fighters are winners...and sometimes both fighters are losers, Hong Man Choi vs. Bob Sapp...ZINGER!!!!!!
Dr. Says:
Just wait until Machida takes the LHW belt. By the accounts of having to take the belt away from the champ, no one is going to take it away from him. He'll throw exactly one punch more than the other guy to win the decision because he isn't interested in doing anything more than what will give him that glorious decision win. Granted, a W is a W, but his W's fall closer to Z's.
Anonymous Says:
wah wah wah wah! He wasn't the better fighter and there for he lost the fight. I do hate when the fight goes to the cards but its the judges decision whom they think won. In his last statement I do think some NOT ALL american fans do go with the winners fame. As soon as that winner either being a team or a solo fighter loses then he also loses the fans. Not all. In football and in any sport there are always true loyal fans. I for one am one. But I understand ramapages statement. Rampage is a great fighter and I think he will be champ again some day but he has to wait his turn and not cry about every time he loses.
Old, Bald and Irish Says:
Ya know, I'm getting sick of folks in MMA bashing "American" fans.
It's not American fans, but uneducated fans that still think the sport is two cave men rollin' around and punchin' each other. Like or not, these folks buy tickets and PPVs. There are plenty of fans (like on this webpage) who understand the sport, and while they have their favorites, appreciate every guy (or gal: I'm lookin' at you K. Couture) who steps in the cage. The uneducated folks are not going away, and in my opinion, don't represent the majority of the sport.
And as for you Europeans posting about "American" fans...DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED! There is nothing in the USA that even comes close to your crazed soccer-hooligan fans!
...except Philadelphia Eagles fans. They threw snowballs at Santa...how cruel.
If Japan and it's fans are so great, pack your bags and head over there Rampage. Instead of bitchin' about fans and fights you thought you won, try educating these fans about the sport instead of just taking money from them. Go out of your way and elevate the sport instead of bashing the fan base that pays your bills.
By the way Rampage, enjoy Wandy's knuckle sandwich. I hope you get either "Jardined" or "KC'd" (Kim Coture'd).
TurdSandwich Says:
I'm American but I understand what he is saying, Chuck Liddell is my favorite fighter, I don't care that he lost a couple fights, it's the casual fans that suck ass. the problem is that the sport is not to big yet and we have a lot of posers and casual fans that will turn on thier fighters at the drop of a hat. But this problem does not plague all American fans so you non-Americans can cut the shit talking, cuz UFC was found in America bitches.
Jeff Says:
I agree with Rampage, but it doesn't change anything come the 27th. Even if he kept the title he was gonna have to fight Wanderlei eventually anyway. This little tidbit just proves that Rampage's mind isn't in the right place to fight. He's got too much other shit on his mind.
Lyoto is gonna get chased down and brutally beaten to within an inch of his life by Wanderlei.
Sodak Says:
amen rampage, i agree page should be fighting forest with wandy fighting rashad. when a fighter loses is when they need their fans the most, but a lot of people tend to turn their back on em pretty quick. and the booing by us fans is ridiculous, i love in japan how you can hear the punches landing its so quiet.
Ouch! That hurts Says:
Some career advice for 'Page from an American fan: Finish your fights and you won't have to worry about the judges. You lost a decision, get over it.
Jugger Says:
Get that man some lotion. Them's some ashey knuckles.
drummer Says:
Quinton point is definetly valid, in Japan fans like fighters who show the warrior spirit, ones who fight their hardest everytime win or loose. And I think "American fans" should be refered to as north american fans because so many people here in Canada are the same way.Unlike in Japan where martial arts has been part of their culture for centuries, we have less then 1 century of that whole philosiphy. We like winners, were told growing up that there are winners and losers.. don't be a loser! we need to remember the idea of doing your best, fighting your hardest because that's what counts. If Wand was to loose this fight he would still get a new contract with the UFC because he always fights his hardest. Of course he won't loose, sorry Rampage but your going down!!!
I think I just said to much
Young, Hairy and German Says:
i watched the fight and thought Forrest won hands down
Old, Bald and Irish Says:
@ "Ouch, That hurts"
"Some career advice for 'Page from an American fan: Finish your fights and you won't have to worry about the judges. You lost a decision, get over it."
Amen, brother.
Also, "Jeff" is right. Jackson's head is not in the right place. Rampage needs to be thinking about his next fight. Not his last one.
mayhem420 Says:
@Old, Bald and Irish
Preach on brother man... those Eagles fans are such ass clowns its not even funny!!! Dude just walk up to any Eagles fan and say 1 name...
Mike Mamula... they will love you for it! Try it and see!!!
Fans are diffrent no matter where you go... in the US we like to cheer and we like winners... not all of us do this but a good portion due. In Europe they love soccer so much that they tear down stadiums and start riots over one of the most boring sports ever!!! In Japan they sit around and dont make noise and just watch.
Fans are diffrent no matter where you go none are better than the other.
Rampage lost the fight and needs to get over it. He didnt do anything other than eat leg kicks and look for that knock out that never came. Maybe if he had tried to finish Forrest he would have won???? Maybe just maybe......
Ur Daddy Says:
Rampage beat Forrest 3 rounds to 2. Fuck all you nay sayers! And fuck all you racist pricks who hate on great fighters like R Evans and Rampage because they aren't crackers. I hope Evans rapes Griffin, takes his belt and Griffin goes to his corner and cries like a LITTLE BITCH, AGAIN!!! Then we will see a true title match!
Evans VS Wandy or Evans VS Rampage
Anonymous Says:
its okay Rampageee we all <3 You!
haha
TUF Guy Says:
American fans are the BEST IN THE WORLD !!!
911 We will never forget !
F*ck Iraq and F*ck the Gays!
Biohazardone Says:
You know, Rampage does make a good point. Forrest should have taken the belt from him. Usually, the champion comes to a fight with an edge in that in order for the other guy to get the belt, he must convincingly beat the champion. I think forrest fought a very technical fight but I dont think he did enough to say he convinceingly beat the champion to get the title. I dont know....that is just my opinion.
bhzd
TurdSandwich Says:
Ur Daddy. you are more racist than any natzi. you think people are racist for rooting for Forrest and Wandy, so you root against them because of it. So you are doing the exact same thing, just a different race. Did you take in to consideration that Jackson keeps on bitching and Evans is a showboating asshole, and Wandy and Forrest are good spirited and humble. That's why we root for them moron
Smackdaddiest1 Says:
@Who is my Daddy?
Of course you think that, you have an IQ similar to a borderline retard......
Griffin will finish Evans via sub or grind out a decision similar to his fight with Rampage. Anyone who actually watched the fight and didn't read the Cliff's Notes version saw Forrest win the fight.
Rampage will get smoked Saturday night and he'll probably tell himself he won that fight too.
BionicWalta Says:
you lost round 1 cuz you were being soundly outboxed for most of that round. yeah, you dropped him, and did ZERO DAMAGE on the ground when you could've pounded him to oblivion. he controlled you on the ground, got back up, and went back to outstriking you.
Round 1 - Griffin
DEAL WITH IT!
Bas Ruttens Daddy Says:
Your a dumbshit! Grow up!
TUF Guy Says:
White fighters are better though
my father gave me that truck u fucking wrestler Says:
turd sandwich yr language was found in england 2 none of the martial arts were american either you fucking chicken hawk. imagine mma with no boxing kick boxing ju jitz muy tie what would you americans have.just two sweaty wrestlers with baby oil.so dont poison this site with yr jewish hippy loving wrestler bullshit.all you americans invented was the octagon what you fucking want a medal.another thing us europeans also created was yr ass two bitch you couldnt even spell octagon if our great great grandads didn't fuck some dirty pros whilst on holiday shooting indians so show some fucking respect you half breed you americans need to get of yr high horse cos yr running out of resources and freinds fast cos off that kind of up yr own ass attitude.biiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaatch.
sol Says:
if i remember correctly and im pretty sure I don't I think when Brock Lesnar fought Heath Herring, whichever state that was in, the fans were great. They were cheering the ground action more then the stand up.
Im not generalising American Fans but the vast majority boo anything that isnt kicking the crap outta each other and definitely the British Fans are the same.
my father gave me that truck u fucking wrestler Says:
old bald and irish why you call yr self that yr american you should call yr self old bald american.you probly never seen ireland.u turn coat peice of shit i hope you try steal my fathers truck so i can stomp yr fat bald fake irish kubala reading head in.you should call yr self marcus ha ha ha
SoCal Says:
@ my father gave me that truck u fucking wrestler:
Maybe you should change your screen name to my father gave me a keyboard so I could be an internet tough guy?
...I'm just sayin
TUF Guy Says:
@ my father gave me that truck
Go back to Albania or whatever country you are from. Europe is the Armpit of the world you should thank us for not turning you into a glassbowl. Now go back to guarding our missle defence shield you puppet !
Americans ! 9/11 ! United we Stand !
Americans are the biggest and most bad-ass people on the world. Nobody wants to mess with us. NO BAHDY
TurdSandwich Says:
MFGMTTUFW it's okay cuz the rest of the world would not subsist without America we literally help everyone and I do mean everyone.
Remsaa Says:
I was sitting on my ass in my home booing Fihlo vs Sonnen.
I'm all for admiring fighters for giving it their all but if someone needs a boo, i'll give it to them.
Clyde Says:
Is turdsandwich a jew who loves hippies or a does he love jewish hippies?
Anyway, most fans of anything are arseholes, American, Japanese, British they're all the same.
And I really wanted rampage to win and I thought it was close but I had to give it to forrest just like the judges did.
I'd still love rampage to win this time though. I'd hate to see this be like shamrock/ortiz.
Sancho Says:
"I eat babies. It's my job."
R-Dubble Says:
Yeah Rampage won... he's the goofy white guy with the ears that stick out right...
Sodak Says:
i'm sick of people saying don't leave it in the judges hands. why the fuck not!? thats their job its not hard to judge an mma fight. all you have to do is watch it and you can tell who won its not likle boxing where they count 300 punches. the whole crowd bood the forest decision, not because forrest was unpopular but because any fucking idiot could tell he didn't win that fight. promotions need to simply not validate bullshit wins and have immediate rematches.
my father gave me that truck u fucking wrestler Says:
tuf guy 9 11 is the time i shaged yr mums pink ass tuesday morning so i dont expect you to forget.ha ha ha americans stink of fear and vegetable matter tuf guy would piss his little boy pants if he was in iraq
Aaron Says:
If you don't care what people think about you then why do you miss Japan?
my father gave me that truck u fucking wrestler Says:
no you kicked those peasant vietnamese asses ha ha ha yr weak ha ha ha ha ha
my father gave me that truck u fucking wrestler Says:
yr just bitter cos your greasy fat grandmother was a peasant settler who got 4 balled for half an apple.and yr dad cleans bus windows with his tongue for fun thats for tuf guy ha ha you slut.and turd sandwich its funny how we existed long before yr arse and am english you toss piece and proud to be you set off spaf collectors ha ha ha tell both yr mums to get a fucking shave to its geting prikly down thier.