Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson is scheduled to fight Fabio Maldonado on the main card of UFC 186 in April, but that could be in jeopardy pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by Bellator MMA. Citing an unfulfilled exclusive contract, the promotion released an official statement on Monday morning regarding their court injunction to prevent Jackson from fighting for the UFC and to finish his Bellator contract.
"Today, Bellator MMA was compelled to go to court to stop Quinton "Rampage" Jackson from fighting in an April 25th bout promoted by Bellator's competitor, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Jackson, who has completed only three fights of his exclusive six-fight contract with Bellator, is barred by contract from fighting for any promoter other than Bellator. Our lawsuit for an injunction and related relief - filed in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court in Burlington County, New Jersey - will compel Jackson to honor his contractual agreement. We look forward to having one of our MMA stars fighting for Bellator again."
"Rampage" signed with Bellator after leaving the UFC in early 2013. His last appearance inside the Bellator cage was on their PPV debut in May versus Muhammed Lawal. Jackson re-signed with the UFC last December, but Bellator CEO Scott Coker immediately stated that Rampage was under an exclusive Bellator contract. Two days after the UFC re-signing was made official, Rampage's team claimed that there were multiple breaches of contract following the removal of Bellator founder Bjorn Rebney, and he "exercised a clause in his agreement that allows for a 45-day window to satisfy any contract dispute". With negotiations stalled and an alleged failure to respond on Bellator's part, Jackson terminated his deal.
Coker made it clear in December that Bellator would protect their contractual rights, and now they've moved forward with an official lawsuit. Bloody Elbow will continue following the story when more updates are available.