Rampage Jackson Says He's "Kinda Tired" of MMA, Focused on a Boxing Career

When the UFC was seeking an opponent for Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to face at UFC 144, it was unlikely that Ryan Bader was high on his list.

The former PRIDE star will be just one of the many fighters to be featured on the highly-anticipated card in Japan this weekend. Jackson, who is recently coming off a loss to Jon Jones, looks to reaffirm his stance in the light heavyweight division when he meets up-and-coming prospect Ryan Bader.

While Bader might not be the most appealing name to attract Jackson, he told MMAWeekly.com that he is content on competing against Bader, for the purpose of putting on an entertaining bout for the Japanese fans. 

"Sometimes it is hard to get motivated (for a fight)," Jackson said. "When I fought Matt Hamill, I really wasn't motivated for that fight, but at the end of the day, it's my job to fight."

Originally, "Rampage" had intended on facing Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. The Brazilian was the last fighter to defeat him in Japan, and Jackson was hoping to face someone who had instant recognition and could help make their fight more marketable. 

Jackson has not picked up a knockout victory since 2008, and his past performances against Matt Hamill, Keith Jardine and Rashad Evans have left fans a little unsatisfied, and Jackson possibly considering a career change.

"

Honestly, I am kinda tired of fighting a bunch of wrestlers who want to take me down, I would like to face more striker-based fighters, he said. That's why I said I'm going to go into boxing and try it out because actually I'm getting kinda bored fighting with guys who just want to take me down all the time. 

"

It is almost certain Jackson will hope to make the best of his situation on Saturday night, win or lose.