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Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
Father, Family Man and Champion Video Game Player |
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 He's got the chain, he's got the glare and he's got a smoking record of 26-6. So you know Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is one bad dude in the ring ... and now the Octagon. But what's he like away from the lights and the fights? You're about to find out.
Before we delve into various other topics, summarize your years in Pride.
Rampage: It was a good experience. I fought some of the toughest fighters in the world. I wish they would have paid me more.
Now that you're fighting in the UFC, do you feel any pressure?
I feel a lot of pressure in that it's my first fight. Not only do I have to win, I have to win impressively. No one from the organization said it to me. It's self-imposed. I can go out there, get cut and lose a fight. If that happens, my stock will go down. And I know that Chuck Liddell is watching me with that big-ass Mohawk on his head. He's got two eyes on me. Pressure? I don't care. I do well under pressure.
How does it feel to be part of the UFC?
I am honored, to be honest. It seems like the UFC has really adopted me, and I think [UFC prez] Dana [White] is trying to promote me. I saw myself on a billboard. I am thankful Dana White is trying to promote me. He could have put Mirko "Cro Cop" [Filipovic] up there. Instead they put me. I feel good.
And what did you think when you saw your face?
Well, it was last night (January 16), and I was like, "Whoa." When I was in the WFA, I heard I was on a billboard, but I never saw it. This is the first time I saw it, and I felt kinda proud.
You are likely on a collision course with Liddell.
I know that Chuck is watching me, and I've got a proposal for him. If I win these [first] fights, make it to Liddell and win, he has to cut off his Mohawk for two fights. If I lose, I have to quit wearing my chain for two fights. Let's make a deal. The loser has to lose something for two fights. I want to see what he looks like without that Mohawk. Let's make it interesting. Do you know what I'm saying man?
Does your family provide a lot of support?
I am kind of a weird creature. I love them, but I get along better now that I live out of state. I have four siblings. I'm the only athlete in family. I'm the alpha male.
Describe yourself to the people who don't know you.
I like laughing, joking, playing around, playing video games and playing with my kids. I liked doing the husband thing when I was married. I like to have nice beautiful woman sit on my lap, sit back and watch movies. I am affectionate to my woman ... if I ever get one. I'm lonely!
How many kids do you have?
I have four. Their ages are 7, 6, 1 and 2 weeks.
Any future fighters?
I think the 1-year-old definitely is a future fighter. When he was born, he had muscles just like me. On the ultrasound, he had his hands up and he slept with his hands up for the first couple of months. He's a natural fighter. When he sees fighting on TV, he moves. It's natural.
How did you get your nickname?
My cousin Tyrone gave it to me when I was 8 years old. I used to have a real bad temper. There are times when I would hyperventilate. [As you know], kids can be cruel, and sometimes they would tease me. They thought it was amusing because I would turn red and huff and puff. I needed a sack to breathe in.
Well, sometimes I could not take it. I would go crazy and break things and fight them. I also had a video game called "Rampage," so the name stuck with me. I had "Rampage" tattooed on my arm when I was 15, and it stuck with me ever since.
How about the chain?
My brother gave it to me when I was in high school because I was not doing so well on the wrestling team. The first year I did not start; I was a cameraman. I had 10 matches and lost the first five. After he brought me chain, I won my last five matches.
Why did he give it to me? I don't know. My brother saw the chain and said wear this. After I started wearing it, I started winning. Is it a good luck charm? Something like that.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Cancun. While there, I met an important person, and we have been friends ever since. She is a good friend. When I met her, I had just fought Kevin Randleman and I was down there with Tito Ortiz. We were introduced and hit it off. She is a very dear friend, and I will always remember that [time].
What will you do the day after your fight with Marvin Eastman?
I am going to wake up and watch the Super Bowl. Hopefully, I will be up by then. I am not a sports fan, but I will start being a sports fan.
You don't get up in the morning and check the sports page or turn on ESPN?
Ah, hell no. I'd rather play than watch, but I can't play basketball. I do like [former Los Angeles Lakers center] Shaq [O'Neal]. He is a cool guy. I went to a Lakers game the other day, so I might start being a sports fan. I am a fan of monster trucks and dirt bikes.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I like video games. Action games, fight games and race car games. I have some ideas for some games that would be best sellers. I have been playing video games forever.
And tunes?
Hip-hop, reggae, rhythm and blues and gospel.
Got anything to add?
Let me thank Throwdown and Resurrect.
(This interview was conducted prior to his Feb. 3rd fight.)
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