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Two weeks ago, a New Jersey judge granted Bellator MMA an injunction to deny Quinton Jackson from competing this Saturday against Fabio Maldonado at UFC 186. Bellator filed their suit in March, saying that Rampage hadn't fulfilled the remaining 3 fights on his contract, thus making his return to the UFC a violation of his contract.
Today, Rampage says the Maldonado fight is back on schedule. Seriously. (Via his Twitter and Instagram accounts)
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It's time to pay some bills! The fight is back on boyz! April 25th UFC186!! https://t.co/x0JoYEyLY6
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) April 21, 2015
You're probably just as confused as I am. At a guess, this could be one hell of a prank/trolling attempt by Rampage. Maybe he even got hacked. Whatever the case, neither the UFC nor Bellator has said anything about this new development, although I expect that to change soon. We'll keep you up to date on the situation, but for now there's nothing to indicate that Rampage vs. Maldonado is back in business, but instead it's Steve Bosse facing the Brazilian on short notice.
UPDATE at 6:24 PM ET: As it turns out, this is 100% real. The New Jersey Appellate Division has reversed the injunction decision and it looks like Rampage/Maldonado is once again a part of UFC 186:
"We are gratified that the Appellate Division did not disturb part of the Chancery Division order enjoining Jackson, but are disappointed that they reversed the injunction as to the April 25 fight. We continue to believe that Judge Suter's decision was thorough, well reasoned and correct, and are evaluating our options." - Bellator MMA
UPDATE at 7:02 PM ET: The UFC has confirmed the news in an official press release. Rampage vs. Maldonado will happen at a 215 lbs catchweight. Steve Bosse will no longer be on the card.
"We are happy with the decision from the New Jersey Court allowing Rampage to fight in Montreal this Saturday night," UFC President Dana White said. "I am looking forward to seeing Rampage back in the Octagon."
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