Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson wants fat shaming to make a comeback.
‘Rampage’ is undoubtedly one of the most beloved fighters in the history of mixed martial arts, but his special brand of social commentary is not everyone’s cup of tea. Particularly in a world where tolerance, identity, and mental health are becoming much bigger issues. But if ‘Rampage’ had his way, we would revert back to social norms that are no longer acceptable by today’s standards. Specifically, fat shaming.
For those unfamiliar with the term, fat shaming is when you humiliate someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape.
Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Jackson revealed that fat shaming from fans online is what encouraged him to get off the couch and back into tip-top shape, suggesting that it could be used as a motivational tool.
“You saw my last fight. I needed a drastic change and I was getting tired of being fat, and I want to say something to everybody that’s out there listening,” Jackson said. “Bring back fat shaming. America, we got so soft. A lot of MMA fans will comment on my posts talkin’ sh*t like they thought I was going to get butt hurt, but no. They gave me a drive to get off my a** and do something about it.”
Rampage Jackson: “Bring back fat shaming.” #TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/DOO8Nvkl9R
— Christopher De Santiago (@Chris_DSantiago) July 17, 2023
When asked by Helwani if he was really encouraging people to be mean-spirited toward one another, Jackson doubled down on his comments, calling into question what we define as bullying in this day in age versus the bullying he experienced as a kid.
“You remember back in the day when we was in elementary school, junior high school, and high school,” he continued. “People made fun of you. You had to get thick skin. We didn’t go cry about it. Today, bullying is someone saying something about it. In my day, bullying was when someone hit you, or beat you up. Something like that. I don’t consider it bullying when people was [trashing] me online. It was motivation for me and I did something about it.”
‘Rampage’ Teases a Potential Return to the Cage Later This Year
It’s been nearly four years since Quinton Jackson stepped inside the cage. Fortunately for ‘Rampage’ fans, they may not have to wait much longer to see the PRIDE FC legend back in action. Continuing his conversation with Helwani, Jackson revealed that he is looking to secure a warm-up fight at heavyweight before competing one last time, presumably for a bigger-name organization.
“I really want to promote the UFL, so I want to do a warm-up fight there,” Jackson revealed. “I’d do a warm-up fight in the UFL and then we’ll see where that goes. And I still want to do a boxing match before I get too old. I’m 45 now and I wanna get the boxing match out of the way before I get too old.”
As for when he will make his comeback, Jackson suggested the end of the year is very possible.
“I’m thinking I might fight around December, or something for UFL.”
His son, Raja Jackson is also rumored to make his pro MMA debut at the same event after securing four impressive wins as an amateur.
