Bellator MMA wins preliminary injunction to keep “Rampage” Jackson off UFC card

By ADAM HILL LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

10 years ago

RJ FILE*** K.M CANNON/REVIEW-JOURNAL Quinton Jackson, left, battles Chuck Liddell during their Light Heavyweight Title bout in UFC 71 the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 26, 2007, in Las Vegas. Jackson won the fight over the defending champion Liddell in the first round by KO.

A ruling by a New Jersey judge effectively removes Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion, from a scheduled fight against Fabio Maldonado this month.

The decision, however, sets the stage for plenty of legal sparring.

Bellator MMA won a preliminary injunction in Burlington County Superior Court to prevent Jackson from competing on a UFC card April 25 in Montreal.

Jackson left the UFC and signed with Bellator in 2013. He announced he had re-signed with the UFC in late 2014, claiming a breach of contract by Bellator had made him a free agent.

Bellator then filed suit to prevent Jackson from competing in the UFC. In a statement issued after the ruling on Tuesday morning, Bellator officials said they are excited to have him back in the organization.

“We are pleased by the judge’s ruling and look forward to having Rampage fighting for Bellator again soon,” the statement read.

It might not be that simple.

Jackson immediately took to social media to express disappointment with Bellator and the ruling.

“Smart move Bellator! Go to a small town where your company knows the judge,to get a (judgment) to piss off your customers,” he posted on Instagram. “#aintworriedboutnothing.”

According to a statement issued Tuesday afternoon by the UFC, the legal battle is far from over.

“The UFC organization was surprised about the ruling because Mr. Jackson represented to UFC on multiple occasions that he was free to negotiate and contract with UFC. The UFC organization is also surprised that Bellator sat on its alleged rights for months before taking action,” the statement read. “UFC understands that Mr. Jackson is considering an emergency appeal, and UFC is also considering action to protect its rights and minimize damages regarding this matter.

“UFC 186 in Montreal, Canada, will proceed as planned, and UFC is currently evaluating its fight card options.”

Jackson has won all three fights since signing with Bellator, including two first-round knockouts.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj.