Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson: Returning to Fight in Japan is ‘Important to Me’

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Though Quinton Jackson is now one of MMA’s most popular personalities, when “Rampage” made his initial journey to Japan in 2001, he was a cash-strapped young fighter who had yet to make a name for himself.

“When I was going there for the [Kazushi] Sakuraba fight, I was broke as hell. I was just winging it; I didn’t know nothing about nothing,” Jackson said during a UFC conference call. “I was just going over there to make some money.”

After all was said and done, Jackson accomplished that, as well as securing a lasting legacy among fans of the Pride Fighting Championships. From his heated rivalry with Wanderlei Silva to his powerbomb slam of Ricardo Arona, Jackson authored many memorable moments in the Land of the Rising Sun.

When the UFC announced that it would return to Japan for the first time since 2000, Jackson knew he had to be there. Though Jackson admitted that he had to fight to get on the card, he declined to elaborate further on those negotiations, saying that “it could get me in trouble with the UFC.”

At any rate, the former UFC light heavyweight champion got his wish and will face Ryan Bader in the UFC 144 co-main event at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

“It’s a no-brainer,” he said. “The UFC was going back to Japan, and I got my big break in Japan. You know I wanted to be there.”

However, more than just fan adoration has drawn the Memphis, Tenn., native back to where he first became a star. Family played a role, as well.

“It’s very important to me, personally. My kids are from Japan; my kid’s grandparents never watched me fight back in the day,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of friends back in Japan. I really miss the fans; I really miss fighting there.”

Once a hub of mixed martial arts, the Japanese MMA scene has declined over the years. While promotions such as Deep and Dream continue to produce events, the sport peaked there during the heyday of Pride. However, Jackson believes that the UFC may be able to help restore the passion of the Japanese fan base.

“I think if anybody has a chance [to revive the scene], it’s the UFC. They have small shows and everything, but the UFC is the biggest show on the planet right now,” he said. “I remember when Pride was the biggest show, but the UFC has surpassed Pride, and if I have anything to do with it, I’m gonna go out there and put on a big show.”