Quinton "Rampage" Jackson Says Money is the Reason He Ducked Lyoto Machida to Coach TUF Against Rashad Evans
by Kid Nate on Jun 5, 2009 2:22 PM EDT
in News
74 comments
In an interview with Steve Cofield, Rampage explains that it was a financial decision on his part to coach The Ultimate Fighter against Rashad Evans rather than taking an immediate title fight against Lyoto Machida.
Key quote:
Sure, Jackson respects the title belt. But he’s also trying to make a living and a Machida fight is small potatoes compared to the gains from a successful season on "The Ultimate Fighter." And now that crossover star Kimbo Slice is part of the show, Jackson has dollar signs in his eyes.
"Those people don’t walk in my shoes," Jackson said in response to claims that he fears Machida. "They don’t put food on my table. They don’t set up college funds for my kids. I’m not afraid of nobody. If they use their common sense, they can see what my game plan is."
Jackson said Machida will be around after he beats Rashad Evans. And frankly, Machida isn’t a big enough name to draw monster pay-per-view numbers right now. Oh, that doesn’t matter? It does when most of your money comes from the back end of the pay-per-view.
"I make most of my money off of pay-per-view. When you do 'The Ultimate Fighter,' it’s going to help your pay-per-view numbers."
You can't really fault Rampage's reasoning here, coaching TUF, particularly with Kimbo Slice on the show will definitely raise his profile. Plus he's already started developing a heated feud with Rashad Evans -- himself a former TUF winner.
Meanwhile Machida will either consolidate his reign against Shogun Rua or lose the title and allow Rampage a revenge match against another hated Chute Boxe star.
The only snag in Rampage's plan is named Rashad Evans. Its by no means a given that Rampage will be able to beat the dangerous Rashad -- himself a skilled wrestler with KO power as a kickboxer and considerable quickness. If Rampage loses to Rashad and Machida KO's Shogun, the entire division will be in a mess as no one will want to see a quick rematch of Machida and Evans.
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I am hoping that Machida’s popularity will rise after his last few outings, anyone hear anything about the PPV numbers for 98?
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Jun 5, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i think they will
if you win exciting fights in the UFC, you will become popular.
by fuzzy wuzzy on Jun 5, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wouldn’t mind seeing machida and evans again after shogun..
by ruckus on Jun 5, 2009 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rampage has like 36 kids, he is very smart to make this decision, his career is temporary, his family is forever. He’s doing the right thing in my books.
And he still is going to be very high ranked fighting Rashad, probably make even more money and if he wins, he will probably fight Machida/Shogun anyways.
by DirtyML on Jun 5, 2009 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rampage has like
364 kids
Close.
Keep firing Assholes!
Out out, you demons of stupidity!
by Ubernoober on Jun 5, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha I know, just going with Rampages humor “I got kids all over” etc.
by DirtyML on Jun 5, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rampage vs Evans feud started at March, and a fight with Machida would have this feud simmer down considerably. The UFC and Rampage needed to really start this feud when it is still hot, so that all parties can make the most out of this. Even if Rampage loses to Evans (which I hope that he doesn’t), I can see Rampage getting a title shot down the line. To be honest, if Rampage were to fight Machida now, I honestly feel that Rampage would be embarrassed.
by chrisbboy82 on Jun 5, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know if Rampage knew Kimbo would be on TUF before accepting as a coach, but it does appear to be a very smart move on his part. With all the media attention Kimbo brings, and the awesome trash talking that is bound to happen on the show, he’s probably gonna get a big payday. Good stuff. I can’t wait for that season to start.
I love me some Sexyama!
by pud333 on Jun 5, 2009 12:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
kudos to Rampage
He actually knew Machida’s name this time
by soadtrails on Jun 5, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The answer to all of your questions is money.
by subo on Jun 5, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
For instance, ‘Why will Supremacy’s hopes of a true competitor to Zuffa lay dead by the roadside?’
by subo on Jun 5, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually am leaning ever so slightly towards Evans in his match against rampage..
It would be interesting to see how this all plays out.
If rampage loses, he’d lose cash and his guaranteed title shot. But if he wins, it also sets him up for another big money fight for the belt.
by Anton Tabuena on Jun 5, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm undecided right now
Rampage didn’t look too good in his last fight, we’ll see if he doesn’t over train and can peak at the right time for the fight.
I’m sure that Evans will actually have a game plan this time, maybe he learned his lesson last fight.
by soadtrails on Jun 5, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’ll be a classic speed vs. power match-up, with both fighters coming off of curious fights (Rampage in a win against Jardine where he didn’t look great; Rashad off a crushing loss to Machida that told us more about Machida than Rashad). I’m hooked, and I have NO IDEA how it will play out.
"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."
by AJB on Jun 5, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
last month, i thought that matchup wouldav been rashad’s too lose, but now i’m more hesitent. this is how i think it’ll play out:
their wrestling will cancel either other out
Page has the power but
Rashad has the speed and he knows how to kick.
shad wins by broken leg
by fuzzy wuzzy on Jun 5, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It really points out why then needed to put Machida on TUF as a coach. They really need to work him up as a star or they will end up with another champion like Anderson Silva who dominates everyone but still doesn’t draw buy rates. It’s a shame that Machida never got the rub from beating Chuck like the other three guys in this discussion did.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
sure it’s about money. he’s probably geting paid as much to coach on tuf as he would have gotten to fight machida, except he doesn’t have to TRAIN, something he hates to do by his own admission. this was the easier route for him.
by bdw on Jun 5, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think the UFC pays the TUF coaches(they normally get a car at the end of the season, or in Matt Hughes case a tractor). What they do get is the exposure, that’s why TUF coaches are always tied to a big fight, them being there is a way to push a event. Rampage’s big payday for TUF would be the enhanced numbers his fight with Rashad would do on PPV, the more they sell the bigger his cut.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really? I would think the UFC definitely pays the TUF coaches (and pays them well). You think these guys just come in everyday just to be on TV?
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard Dana saying Tito made a shit ton for coaching TUF once.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."
by xFenixKnightx on Jun 5, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think these guys just come in everyday just to be on TV?
Yes, exactly. If a fighter gets paid on PPV percentage then the more promotion their next fight can get the better for their wallet not to mention the huge jump in sponsorship value from all that tv exposure. For the coaches TUF is a giant 12 episode commercial for their upcomming fights. Every week a million plus people watch the two coaches on TUF compete and build up a rivalry for their next fight, just being on TV like that is a big deal.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand your point. I’m taking the stand that the fighters aren’t appearing on the show without wage compensation which is the logical assumption.
You are saying that you think they do it just to be on T.V. Do you have anything to back up this assertion or are you just speculating?
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree with you.
What if they get injured before the fight at the end of the season? There goes all the exposure and build up they earned as a coach on TUF. They have to be getting compensated.
by MauiPimpin on Jun 5, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Serra’s injury had nothing at all to do with either being on TUF. Guys get injured during training all the time, being on TUF was irrelevant to that.
If they hadn’t of done TUF then their fued wouldn’t of had near the same exposure to the casual viewing audience though, it was a whole season that revolved around it.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think they stop training completely during TUF?
You said that the whole compensation for being on TUF was the exposure to get more PPV buys and sponsorships. If they get injured (from training, not coaching) before the fight then they would be doing the coaching for nothing, which I don’t think they are dumb enough to do.
by MauiPimpin on Jun 5, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s why it puts such a gap in between their fights, Serra had to move from New York to Las Vegas for six weeks and coach a team of fighters during that time frame, when was he going to get any real training for himself done during that? He’s across the country out of his gym training other guys and shooting tv all day. Of course even if a guy gets injured while training for a fight it doesn’t change the fact that for 12 weeks on tv 1 million plus people watched them every week, even if the fight gets pushed back they still get to keep all the exposure and the benefits of it. Look even if they do get some kind of token pay it’s going to pale in comparison to the marketing and self promotion being very visible on tv for three months is going to bring.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Look even if they do get some kind of token pay”
Exactly. That’s all I was trying to say. I never said it would be more, or even close to, the non-guaranteed compensation. Just that there would be compensation.
by MauiPimpin on Jun 5, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well they do get a very expensive custom car after the show from Dana White, hell the John Deere 6430 tractor that Matt Hughes got after the season with Serra was in the hundred grand range. Those cars they give out aren’t chump change, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the UFC paid for the expenses for guys who had to move to Vegas to do it but that is different than getting paid to coach TUF. They don’t do the show to get paid they do it for the huge exposure it brings to their careers.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well Rampage probably does want a new car after all that hassle.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Jun 5, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
New car for Rashad, Oprah tickets for Rampage.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They have stated before that all they get is the car at the end, I will look for quotes.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not calling you a liar I was just curious if you were just making an assumption (which I have admitted that I am).
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, what Dana White says fighters get paid and what he actually pays fighters are two hugely different things.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No I am looking for where I’ve read that before, it’s not my opinion it’s what I have read, they get the car because they don’t get paid. Heck what Rampage is saying goes along with what I am saying:
“I make most of my money off of pay-per-view. When you do ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ it’s going to help your pay-per-view numbers.”
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The guys that make back end profits can easily go over seven figures and they fight three times a year. So even if they were to get paid a hundred grand an episode for TUF he would still make most of his money from pay-per-view.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is saying he makes more off the PPV cut than his base pay for the fight and doing TUF makes the PPV numbers better, thats why he is doing TUF instead of fighting Machida.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watch the video, Rampage is talking about how the exposure made him money, they even talk about better t shirt sells. He never says nothing about making money off TUF he talks about making money off TUF exposure.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still don’t see how him talking about how it affects his PPV money and not speaking about the money he would make directly is proof that he makes no money directly. Thats an awful big leap.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It definatly points that he’s not doing TUF because they pay him to do TUF, he brings up every other reason for it. Earlier you said even if they paid him a hundred grand a episode it would still be less than the PPV numbers, well no not really because that would end up 1.2 million for the show, if they were even paying a quarter that much you would have to wonder why so many fighters turn the show down? Even Rampage said that orignially he didn’t want to do TUF again.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The PPV numbers
for the Evans fight after the TUF season is what is going to be huge.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Jun 5, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes and he is saying that TUF will make a real difference in those numbers, that is why he is doing the show.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right, in lew
of fighting Machida.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Jun 5, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody would risk all the time and effort of doing the show if they get absolutely no guaranteed compensation. It may not be much, but there is no way it’s nothing.
by MauiPimpin on Jun 5, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rampage said his t-shirt sales even went up after the show, he basically said the show gave him the fans he has today(he said people didn’t like him after the Liddell fight but once they saw him on TUF they became fans). It’s marketing 101, hell companies normally pay for this kind of promotion and public exposure, even if the fight never happens being in front of that many eyeballs for three months is a big deal.
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It definatly points that he’s not doing TUF because they pay him to do TUF, he brings up every other reason for it.
No one has said the pay is the reason he is doing TUF. All were saying is that it seems much more likely that they receive guaranteed money to be on the show. If I said, “I took my job because of the flexible hours, benefits, and exciting work” would you assume that I was doing it for free because I didn’t mention it?
Earlier you said even if they paid him a hundred grand a episode it would still be less than the PPV numbers, well no not really because that would end up 1.2 million for the show
You’re taking that point out of context. That statement was made to show that Rampage would still be making more from his PPV profits than his TUF pay (which is all Rampage said) even if they paid a lot for TUF. I wasn’t actually saying they pay this much just showing you how stating “A > B” does not mean “B = Nothing”.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he made 100k a episode he most likely wouldn’t be making more off his PPV cut for the fight after the show, which is what I was pointing out. Guys with PPV cuts make a lot but not to a point where 1.2 million is insignificant by comparison. Rampage wasn’t talking about TUF pay he was talking about his fight pay and comparing what he would make fighting Rashad with the tough feud to what he would make fighting Machida for a belt without TUF.
They don’t have to pay guys to do TUF because the other rewards are so significant for their career. It’s basically a 3 month commercial for the fighter watched by millions of fans. If your wanting to argue that they are paying the guys some kind of insignificant pittance of pay that is of no real importance then what’s the point?
by who me on Jun 5, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its definitely a better business decision
Part of the business analysis, however, is how likely he is to beat Machida and how much his earning potential would be hurt with a loss to Machida. I think he definitely factored those in.
So to me the real question is, if the champion was a very beatable guy with the same level of popularity as Machida would Rampage make the same decision to fight Rashad instead?
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No
Because money was, is and shall remain the motivating factor.
by subo on Jun 5, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely
This happens all of the time in boxing as well. Some champions will even relinquish a title just to go after the big money fights.
by steak_knife on Jun 5, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’re forgetting that Forrest and Spider are sort of in the mix as well. I think that if Rashad beats Rampage, instead of getting Machida right away he gets a rematch of Forrest or fights Spider if Spider wins. If Rashad beats Spider then the rematch is compelling, if Spider wins then you have the opportunity to try and set Spider and Machida up for a super-match (I know they’re friends, but I’m pretty sure Dana could make this happen).
by Dooda on Jun 5, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rampage wasn’t afraid of Silva even after getting brutally smashed by him twice, I don’t think he’s afraid of Machida.
Besides… money talks.
Keep firing Assholes!
Out out, you demons of stupidity!
by Ubernoober on Jun 5, 2009 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
rampage will beat rashad
he is the stronger man, and im pretty sure he will be able to stuff rashads takedowns if LNP is rashads new gameplan, and rampage is a much better puncher so i give him the stand-up advantage. if rashad tries the forrest griffin/jardine strategy of leg kicks i think rampage can catch him. and you cant blame the man for getting the biggest payday. besides im sureLyoto will be there after shogun
by norcalthrowzdwn on Jun 5, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t hear any Rashad chants during the last title match. I bet lyoto has more fans than Rashad.
by Dropkick434 on Jun 5, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lyoto: "Hampage, estop shuckin an duckin me!"
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."
by xFenixKnightx on Jun 5, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I laughed when I heard him say Hampage when talking in Portuguese.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Jun 5, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did he really say that? LOL! I was just making a funny here.
“My fight wiffa Cheetoh…”
Another good one :)
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, growing up as a child Kimbo Slice was never given any bread with his meals. This is why he insists people give him his bread."
by xFenixKnightx on Jun 5, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't blame an established fighter like Rampage
for wanting to cash in on TUF & the PPV first with Evans over a title shot that he has already held in the UFC. These guys realize that their window for making major money in MMA is small & need to capitalize at every opportunity. I have no idea what they make for actually being on TUF, but his PPV cut vs Evans would have to be way more than what it would be against Machida, IMO.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Jun 5, 2009 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After TUF maybe.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Jun 5, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is what I mean.
I have no idea what the guys get pd for the show itself, but the PPV for Page vs Evans right now is hot & after a whole season of shit talking between these two it is just going to grow exponentionally.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Jun 5, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Wont Fight The Champ Because I Will Make More Money Fighting This Guy???
Sounds a little too much like boxing here, but the again, all combat sports are like this.
by MMASuPreMaCy on Jun 5, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
but when you know the “PPV iron” is red hot right now for a fight with Evans it really is not a hard decision business-wise. If he beats Evans & then does not want Machida then I will have a problem, but I doubt that will be the case.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Jun 5, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you
as a fighter, take Rashad 1st get $1.75million then fight Machida for $2.0 million? His odds of beating Rashad are higher than Machida. If he goes and fights Machida first and loses then we wouldn’t see the Rashad fight.
Thus way Rampage gets his cake and Edith too.
by Riney on Jun 5, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think it’s better for the ufc to do rampage vs evans before rampage vs machida cause if rampage would lose to machida and then fight evans, it would be some sort of loser vs loser…
by kovy on Jun 5, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
By the way
I love the use of the word “ducked” in the title because thats exactly what went down whether it leads to more money or not.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Jun 5, 2009 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he's not scared? well he should be.
to the extent that fear motivates. this is quite a big step up for him and he needs all the motivation he can get.
by fuzzy wuzzy on Jun 5, 2009 9:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow he has some nasty comments about subo
I dislike Matt Hughes.
by MonkeyCHops on Jun 6, 2009 3:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who puts food on your table?
Ummm, actually a lot of those people (MMA fans) saying that Rampage is ducking Machida, DO put food on his table. After all, a lot of them are the folks that buy all those overpriced pay-per-views every week, and isn’t that how UFC makes the money to be able to pay Rampage in the first place?
by Cliff Speed on Jun 6, 2009 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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