Quinton "Rampage" Jackson: A Real Champion

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson: A Real Champion

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By Ron "The Yacman" Yacovetti

cham·pi·on

-Pronunciation Key - [cham-pee-uh

n]

–noun

1	a person who fights for or defends any person or cause: a champion of the oppressed.

2.	a fighter or warrior.

Anyone who watches MMA knows who Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is. How could you not? Very often his name comes up, noting his status as a former title holder. And while it is true that he no longer has the UFC Light-Heavyweight belt, Rampage is nothing but a champion in the eyes of so many fight fans the world over.

Recently, I was in Santa Monica, CA, covering a Shriner's Charity MMA Event that was built around a bunch of great fighters stepping into the cage to raise money and awareness for ill children. The evening was very nicely done. I also had the pleasure to spend a little time talking with Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and a protégé of his, from Team Rampage, the very talented Jay Silva.

Inside of a fun, free-flowing interview lasting five minutes, I was reminded of why I enjoy doing what I do so much. Both Rampage and Jay Silva went back and forth, joking around, while I asked a few questions from the safest spot in the house...in-between them!

The other thing I was reminded of is that while some fighters may need the title belt to solidify themselves as an elite athlete and intriguing personality in MMA, Rampage Jackson is not one of them.

I am not suggesting he is better off without the title belt. He should certainly have it again. It suits him to hold it. But let's just say, what he brings to the position of UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion is a lot more than what the belt itself provides should it be held by an athlete who is less charismatic, gifted, intimidating and approachable.

Rampage has taken on some of the divisions best, including his last bout against Forrest Griffin. Some champions in boxing and MMA fail in this category, constantly. The fact that Rampage doesn't dodge tough fights alone, commands respect.

Plus...

He is never boring, never caught laying and praying, or appearing to be out of shape. He is an exceptional athlete and as unique a character as you will find in sports. Likability with that kind of talent goes a long way.

And, in a sport that is blowing up, as MMA has been, branding and marketing oneself is crucial, if you want to have a "put asses in seats" fanbase...and Quinton Jackson does. You can bet that in his next fight, he will be cheered like a champion as he approaches the octagon, despite the absence of a title belt, because the belt never made him the man; he did that all himself.

Last weekend, as I saw it, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson came out to support a charity fundraising event intended to help sick children because, as a parent himself, he really seemed to care about the cause.

As he entered the arena, he was bombarded with camera's, camera phone's, and autograph opportunities. He took photos with fans and especially kids that showed up, clearly not expecting to see "the" Rampage Jackson that night.

So, it is my opinion that in defining a champion, inside or outside of MMA, this guy sure does fit the bill. The recipe for creating a world champion athlete is all right there, with just one ingredient left to make it official: the belt.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE

 YACMAN