Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson: I could sue Bellator for $10-20 million
Bellator boss Scott Coker initially promised that his promotion would fight to keep Quinton "Rampage" Jackson from fighting in the UFC because he claims the former world champ is still under exclusive contract with his organization. Jackson himself, however, seems to believe that Coker is all talk, and that Bellator won't end up trying to keep him from fighting in the UFC once more.
"I don't think Bellator going to put up a big fuss because if they try to sue me I could counter-sue them for, probably, $10-20 million," Jackson told reporters Saturday in Las Vegas.
"So, if they was smart, they would just let me walk away and be happy ... I wish I could show you guys the contract. I just think Scott Coker, he felt bad because he got caught lying."
It remains to be seen how Jackson's contractual love triangle with Bellator and the UFC will play out legally, but the fighter seems confident not just that he'll compete in the Octagon once more, but also that he'll bring some much-needed excitement with him when he does. "I think the UFC needs a little bit more excitement," he said.
"I've been following a little bit and it's been kind of boring. I think a lot of fans have missed out ... it needs a little personality. I don't know what's going on over here."
Jackson has always had very public disputes with fight promoters, and has been honest in his measured excitement about returning to the UFC. He says that he still has uncertainty about how truthful the UFC is with him, but admits that he's made the most money with the Las Vegas promotion.
Jackson returns to the UFC much more savvy, and with a better understanding of what he's worth.
"Me going over to Viacom, I kind of learned what kind of ratings I pull myself," he said.
"And so, I know exactly, basically, what I'm worth to free TV. I know if I fight, basically how much ratings I can get on free TV, and stuff like that. So, I've learned.
"The first fight that you guys never see is between the fighter and the promoter. That's something that's always going to be there. I learned that aspect of the game. When I was in PRIDE, that was the last thing they wanted me to know -- how many toys I sold, how many T-shirts I sold ... sometimes people are just not fair in terms of business."
If fighters are taken advantage of, as Jackson often claims, he still doesn't have a specific answer for how to remedy the abuse. "That's a good question. I don't know," he said.
"What you've got to do is not get taken advantage of so much. It's the nature of the beast. I think the UFC, they gave me a great deal. I'm happy. (UFC owner and CEO) Lorenzo (Fertitta) gave me a Hellcat."
In the end, Jackson says it's too early to say if he'll stay happy with the UFC. At this point, actions and follow through speak louder to the MMA legend than big promises from promoters.
"Let's see," he said. "Let's see."
