UFC has served as a significant platform for many rising MMA fighters to gain immense popularity worldwide. Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson is a notable example of this, as he elevated his stature through UFC after transitioning from Pride FC. However, his departure from the promotion was rather unfortunate due to a fallout between him and Dana White.
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson is one of the hosts of the popular JAXXON podcast. In a recent episode, he and several other UFC legends to join him for detailed discussions on various intriguing topics. During the conversation, Rampage opened up about his bitter feud with UFC CEO Dana White, sharing some of the reasons behind their fallout.
I remember it was a time when Dana (White) and I was cool, yeah. We used to be real cool. I think we fell out when I did that movie and I was supposed to fight Rashad (Evans) in my hometown. I think that’s when we really felt out.
Quinton Jackson via JAXXON podcast (Check from 44:00)
According to Jackson, White seemed upset about his decision to pursue a career in Hollywood movies. Rampage made an appearance in one of the top-budgeted films of the 2010s, The A-Team, which featured a star-studded cast including Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, and others.
Interestingly, the movie was released just a few weeks after Jackson’s lackluster defeat against Rashad Evans at UFC 114. Rampage also noted that his shift in focus toward Hollywood might be one of the reasons that have angered the UFC CEO.
Interestingly, for Dana White, falling out with UFC superstars is not a new occurrence. Over the years, several fighters have had feuds with the UFC CEO, with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou being one of the most notable examples. As for Jackson, he continued competing in the promotion until 2013, but made a return for one fight in 2015.
When Rampage Jackson forced himself out of his UFC contract
In his last UFC fight in 2015, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson faced Fabio Maldonado and won by unanimous decision. Following this victory, the UFC legend returned to Bellator to continue his MMA career. Similar to his time in the UFC, Jackson had a notable career in Bellator as well. However, after rejoining the promotion post-2015, Rampage struggled, resulting in a disappointing record afterward.
Rampage Jackson’s last UFC outing (Image via Bleacher Report)Due to Jackson’s bitter rivalry with UFC executives and Dana White, he was unhappy. Consequently, he raised several issues with it. Not too long ago, Rampage participated in a fascinating discussion on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, where he revealed how he had to force himself out of his UFC contract.
(UFC) tried to make it sound like I retired. I went to Bellator, I fought in Bellator for years. When I left them, something happened where I owed them one more fight. I had to buy myself out of the f*cking UFC contract. They didn’t sue me but I did have to pay like, $1.7 million or something…to buy myself out of the UFC contract.
Quinton Jackson via Pound4Pound Podcast
Despite his past feud with the UFC CEO, Jackson does not hold any personal grudges against him. In fact, on one occasion, Rampage publicly expressed his gratitude towards White, noting that the UFC CEO has helped him on multiple occasions. Currently, the two do not share any personal animosity towards each other.
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