Quinton "Rampage" Jackson recently signed a new four-fight UFC contract, which will begin when he tangles with light heavyweight titleholder Chuck Liddell at UFC 71 on May 26, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Jackson — the prize acquisition from the World Fighting Alliance (WFA) transaction — had only one fight remaining on his old contract after beating Marvin Eastman at UFC 67 earlier this year. And, the UFC wasn't about to put him in the Octagon in a championship bout unless he is locked up to a long-term tour.
The new deal all but guarantees Jackson will be fighting under the UFC banner well into 2008, barring injuries or other unforeseen situations.
For Jackson, fighting Liddell was something that he wanted to do at a later date. The former PRIDE FC star felt he needed some time to win over UFC fans and generate more name recognition prior to such a big event.
His trainer, Juanito Ibarra, said those plans went out the window with the latest offer.
Here's a snip:
"Our plan was to get more exposure in the UFC so the American public would become more familiar with Rampage, but don't get me wrong ... with Rampage's ability, he knows how to handle this. Chuck Liddell is a fight we're ready for. Chuck's the champion of the world, but Rampage has a style to beat Chuck and take his title."
Of course, Rampage already defeated Liddell back in 2003 at a PRIDE show. It's a loss Liddell feels was the result of poor conditioning. And, one that could've ended up differently.
Here's a snip from the "Iceman:"
"I didn't get in top shape. Fighting over there [in Japan] didn't work out. I know I hurt him good in that fight. I could've finished him off earlier. But the truth comes down to the fact that he was the better man that day."
Can't wait to see who the better man is on Memorial Day weekend 2007.
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