Rampage Jackson Trashes Forrest Griffin; Will Return in November

by Michael Rome on Aug 26, 2008 10:07 PM EDT in News Comment 42 comments

In an interview with Fighters Only Magazine, a UK publication, Rampage Jackson slammed Forrest Griffin:

...Regarding that fight, he says: "I just want my fans to know, I was at my worst, he was at his best - and I still beat him."

Jackson says that when he said [that he got his ass kicked], "I was being sarcastic, because I really could not believe that it went the way it did."

"I'm not a sore loser, shit happens. But I was hoping that Forrest would be a man and come out and say 'you know what, I didn't win that fight,' especially after he watched it."

"...But now, I don't respect him as a man. Because if it was me, I would have said, 'I have to give him a rematch right away, to remove all doubt.'"

I guess this is the beginning of the heat-up to their next fight. if Jackson pleas down his charges to probation and some community service, could we see this fight sooner than later? They sure are desperate for a November main event, but I don't know how willing they are to give Jackson a title shot given everything that just happened.

Kevin Iole interviewed Dana White for a new Yahoo Mailbag piece, and White confirmed that Jackson would return in November, but that they are still looking for an opponent:

But Jackson will fight, likely on the Nov. 15 card in Portland, Ore., and the charges won’t impede him.

“Of course he’ll fight,” White said. “If he was doing drugs, if he had been drunk, if he had gone out there and done what he did because he was pissed off at someone, that would be a completely different story. But he was ill. And in this company, we support our friends and anyone who works for us when they’re ill and have problems. He was ill, the incident occurred, and now he’s fine.

“Rampage feels awful about the woman’s baby, but he had nothing to do with it. And the (traffic incident) occurred because he was very ill and not with him in control of his faculties.”

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I personally...

wouldn’t mind seeing Rampage “suspended” for his actions. Despite whatever the reason behind what he did was…he would be suspended from any other sports league in the world. And I’m sure that anyone outside of main event status in the UFC would be punished also.

Rewarding him with a big fight seems…wrong to me.

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 26, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rampage is a good and honest guy.. I would love for you to say he should be punished for his actions to his face… instead, you would be asking for an autograph and a picture.

by steveoc24 on Aug 26, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What does that have to do with anything?

I’m not saying he is a bad guy at all. But…being a good guy doesn’t excuse his actions. Nor does the simple “he was ill” excuse they’re passing off. Also were I to meet him and he asked me “do you think I should have been suspended?” I can promise you that I would answer yes.

But again…this odd “say it to his face” argument has nothing to do with anything. His actions were illegal despite any sort of excuse they have.

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 26, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That whole “he was ill” excuse doesn’t even make sense. Saying that he was temporarily crazy because he refused to eat or sleep for a few days misses the point. No normal person would refuse food or sleep to the point of being that out of it. There has got to be much more at play here and everyone seems to be ignoring it. Dana White and all of these “Rampage BFF’s” that know him so well seem more concerned with him betting back into the octagon than him getting the type of psychological help he clearly needs.

(formerly TheFightJournal)

by Lucas2 on Aug 26, 2008 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I respect the fact that you would have the balls to “yes” to his face. I would just love to see it. Hook up with MMARated and I’m sure they can make it happen.

Isn’t fighting 2-3 times/yr suspension enough?

by steveoc24 on Aug 26, 2008 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not really...

considering that one would have to call that a typical UFC fight schedule.

Look…I’m just saying that the guy hasn’t even gone to trial yet and he is already basically set for a huge match with nothing more than a “it’s okay…we get it” from management. They showed basically no concern for anything with the willingness to just accept “he was ill” and be thankful that it was just cars and not pedestrians crossing the street that he crashed into.

As for the willingness to say yes to his face…why wouldn’t I? I’m an honest guy myself and I would be honest if asked about it. The only reason to say no would be because I would be starstruck (which considering I was raised with family members who played professional baseball and spent time around “stars” from a very early age would be unlikely) or because I would be scared that he would beat me up…and I think it would be rather foolish for him to end a conversation regarding the committing of multiple felonies with a felony assault…

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 26, 2008 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what exactly is his huge match?

UFC does not need to be concerned anymore than they are considering his circumstances. He will get some probation and fines, maybe some community service and classes. That’s it!

by steveoc24 on Aug 26, 2008 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Checkmate.

(formerly TheFightJournal)

by Lucas2 on Aug 27, 2008 2:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can see a monetary fine if or when Rampage is convicted for what he is accused. However, when there are 4-6 months between fights, a suspension in MMA is largely meaningless, unless the suspension is for a year.
And, I don’t believe a suspension of 12 months is called for here.

by Eugene Schelfaut on Aug 26, 2008 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do you know Rampage is a “good and honest guy”? What exactly are you basing that on? I don’t understand why everyone is just shrugging off what Rampage did because “he’s a good guy.” Yea, he does seem like a funny guy from what I’ve seen on TV but that would not exactly provide me with any sort of insight into his moral character.

(formerly TheFightJournal)

by Lucas2 on Aug 26, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, he’s one of the most universally liked people in the industry, both among fighters and management types. Outside of the Chute Box group it is almost impossible to find people with bad things to say about Quinton Jackson

by Michael Rome on Aug 26, 2008 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All we have to base our opinion on

is his reputation. And he has, quite literally, the most sparkling reputation of any of the high-profile fighters out there.

There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.

by misterjonez on Aug 26, 2008 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All aboard!

Rampage bandwagon is in full effect baby! Seriously though Rampage seems like a really cool guy. Well, at least thats the vibe I got from him from TUF.

by xFenixKnightx on Aug 26, 2008 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've never been a massive fan of Rampage, personally.

But the PR machine has done a heckuva job with his whole semi-mid-life-makeover, linking it with his success in the ring/cage. There is pretty much no other fighter (aside from Randy, prior to trying to opt out of his contract, that is) that has been presented as such a positive, shiny guy.

Again, though, I thought Forrest won that fight. It was close, but I agreed with the judges on that one. I wouldn’t have been distraught if Rampage had been given the decision, but I would have been unhappy about it.

There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.

by misterjonez on Aug 27, 2008 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I ask myself the same thing about “illegal aliens”..

by steveoc24 on Aug 26, 2008 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’s pretty clear Dana White is completely behind him on this. Dana’s loyalty has been pretty surprising, it’s not like Jackson is Chuck Liddell, he could have thrown him under the bus (or monster truck).

by Michael Rome on Aug 26, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not sure stars in other leagues would have been suspended. Obviously, if it had been Rampage just randomly committing some crimes because he felt like it, it would be a different story. The fact that they are saying he was ill at the time, puts everything in a different light and I think Dana and the UFC have acted appropriately so far.

by LiuLang on Aug 26, 2008 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just consider him ‘suspended’ from July 15th til Nov 15th.

by Eugene Schelfaut on Aug 26, 2008 10:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

In Aussie-land

Down here both AFL (aus football league) and Rugby stars are forever being caught up in bar brawls, drunken binges, drugs, adultery etc etc and they all seem to just get off with a bit of community service and a 1-2 week suspension from playing.

Of course there are the cases of 12 month bans or dismissal but in the light that Dana is playing this, the same would have happened in most sporting codes down here. He would not play for a few weeks while he was ‘sorting out his problems’ but as soon as he felt fit to play, he’d be back in the team.

So no, to my mind he would not be suspended from any sports league in the world. Each situation is based on it’s own merit. I for one am glad to see him get back into it, but then again, it wasnt my car he hit either.

by Benicio on Aug 26, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hmmm...

well…Bar brawls generally aren’t felonies. Drugs should (and usually do) result in a suspension from any league I’ve ever followed . Drunken binges…would depend on what happened during that time being drunk (committing a felony while drunk usually would lead to a suspension in any major American sports league).

So that’s a bit of apples and oranges to me.

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 26, 2008 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you’re being a bit moralistic about the law. It sounds like he was in a terrible mental state and made a bad mistake, but let’s not act like he committed some kind of mortal sin. It’s not like he aggressively attacked anyone here on purpose.

by Michael Rome on Aug 27, 2008 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forrest won the fight. Stop bitching Rampage. He’s being a baby now.

Rob Dib
http://www.break-your-face.com

by Rob Dib on Aug 26, 2008 10:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me, or does this seem completely inconsistent

with his manner and words post-fight? I know that the locker room interviews were a little more bitter than the ring interview, but I don’t believe for a second that he was upset immediately post fight.

If he really has felt this way the whole time (I mean the whole time) after the fight, then he’s a far better actor than he has led us to believe. And if he hasn’t felt this way the whole time, then he’s trying to develop his acting skills right now.

There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.

by misterjonez on Aug 26, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No. Forrest DIDN’T win the fight. Rampage is being real. Watch the fight again. Forrest knows for a fricken fact that when he watched that fight over he didnt win. I hope this rematch does indeed take place. Rampage is gonna beat him down and hopefully the judges dont sell him out again.

by xFenixKnightx on Aug 26, 2008 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forrest did win the fight. If you’ll take a minute to notice, you’ll see he has the belt. Also, just because you watched it and you disagreed with the three judges and the roughly half the people you can find who watched the fight doesn’t mean you’re right and they’re all wrong.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Aug 27, 2008 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forrest won the fight. He out-pointed Quintin. Yes, Quintin has a case for him winning, but at this point, he’s being a baby and should just shut up, train, and when he gets his rematch, he can let his fists do the talking. There are no asterisks in life. In the end, Forrest is up on Quintin 1-0.

by pud333 on Aug 27, 2008 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Rampage, but i think this is a totally classless statement. He may have very well received an immediate rematch if he wasn’t so busy running pregnant women off the road.

by nitro on Aug 26, 2008 11:45 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I know I’d be worried about losing the respect of a felon.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Aug 27, 2008 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait a minute...when did

Rampage say this? I wonder if he read my comment in the BE: LHW Meta Rankings story by Kid Nate earlier today where I said exactly what he’s saying. :P

BTW, I know he probably didn’t but I just find it pretty cool. This is what I said earlier…

“I know I’m the only one but… I really feel Rampage should have won that fight against Griffin. I’ve seen this fight over and over and over again (in HD damnit) and I just dont see how Rampage lost. Rampage clearly won 3 rounds (1,3 and 4) Griffin won round 2 (no doubt) and round 5 was a squash either way. I’ve seen it over and over again. I just dont see how the hell Rampage lost. Dont get me wrong I like Forrest but i just dont think hes gonna hold on to that strap for too long.”

“It really got me pissed When Rampage said "I got my ass kicked" after the match because he didn’t. AT ALL! :(”

by xFenixKnightx on Aug 26, 2008 11:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Classless comments by Rampage...

I used to like Rampage, but I’m fast losing respect for HIM after reading his comments in this latest interview. Griffin stated immediately post-fight that the fight was close and he thought they needed to do it again. Then Rampage had his little “rampage” and if Forrest asked for a rematch at this point in time, people would say he was taking advantage of Quinton during a difficult period in his life.

It was a close fight, I think Griffin won 3 out of 5 rounds, and won fair and square. Seriously, some of those comments of Jackson’s make me think he is still mentally unstable…if not, he’s just a jerk, imo. Forrest has done nothing to deserve those disrespectful and classless comments from Rampage.

by Lolly on Aug 27, 2008 12:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you’ve hit on a really important point. Given Rampage’s own actions after that fight, he has put himself in a position not to get an immediate rematch — it’s not like Forrest is refusing to fight him or something.

by Kierkegaard on Aug 27, 2008 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree Rampage’s comments were poorly timed, but I believe he has at a legitimate point about the fight. At the time I had it scored for Rampage, with it hinging on a few razor close rounds. I can’t fault anyone for scoring it for Rampage, Forrest, or as a draw. The fight was simply that close.

While he has no right to question Griffin’s toughness or honor, but I can’t hold it against Jackson if he thinks he won the fight.

by Andy R on Aug 27, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody is questioning Rampage saying he thinks he won the fight. What makes him look like a whiner is saying that he was “at his worst” and Forrest was “at his best” to get the win, saying that Forrest should have come out and declared himself the loser after rewatching, saying that he doesn’t respect Forrest “as a man” anymore for not somehow magically giving Rampage a rematch already, even though he’s sort of been “indisposed” of late because of his own stupidity.

It’s kind of like when somebody says, “It’s not about the money ….” and you know that it’s all about the money. When Rampage says, “I’m not a sore loser or anything,” you know that Rampage is most definitely a very poor loser.

Yeah, yeah … it’s all just hype for the possible rematch, etc. It still comes across as pretty poor sportsmanship.

by Kierkegaard on Aug 27, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I get the feeling it’s his new management telling him to say stuff like that, to pump up his PR and all that crap. This is very different than the rampage we have seen in the past.

Cuz ya know, WWE style face/heel right? Good for the sport, right?

by mythbuster on Aug 27, 2008 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Right, Jackson has never done this stuff before. Sheesh, talk about over analyzing things. He bad mouthed opponents all the time in Pride, said Chuck’s striking wasn’t any good before their second fight, said the Forrest fight wouldn’t even be competitive, etc.

I’m sure next time Rampage has an odd smile it will be proof he is “crazy,” and everything that happens from here on out will be analyzed in this light. I can’t believe we finally broke the “where’s his head at” annoyance of GSP and now it’s moved to Rampage.

by Michael Rome on Aug 27, 2008 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He basically said Forrest has no honour and flat out stated he doesn’t respect him as a man. Crazy or not, that’s classless, imo and comes across as sour grapes. Considering the legal issues surrounding Jackson at this time, he’s the last person who should be questioning anyone’s honour and respect-worthiness.

by Lolly on Aug 27, 2008 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough, I obviously don’t agree with him questioning Forrest’s manliness. It’s hardly an indication of any sort of deep issue though.

by Michael Rome on Aug 27, 2008 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of the things that stood out to me was this line:

" Because if it was me, I would have said, ‘I have to give him a rematch right away, to remove all doubt.’"

Because he has had terribly close matches, with bustamante and others. Even the hendo match was close enough for me to see that he isn’t a really dominant champ.

by p0wn on Aug 27, 2008 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the more important issue to derive from that quote is that

A) Forrest has little to no say over who he defends against

B) Even if he wanted to offer Rampage an immediate rematch it was Rampage’s injury and legal issues that made a quick rematch impossible. Blaming Forrest for that is pretty dumb.

I also don’t think he was being sarcastic when he said he got his ass kicked after the fight. I didn’t agree with his assessment at the time (I thought he clearly won that fight), but if anything I thought he was being gracious in defeat and not mocking the judges decision.

I still love Rampage the fighter and can’t wait to see him back, I’m just not a big fan of these statements given the circumstances.

by Day Man on Aug 27, 2008 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could have swore that during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan Forrest said something about “We gotta do this again which would suck because he hits hard.” or something like that.

by Tonley on Aug 27, 2008 6:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs