Quentin “Rampage” Jackson missed weight by 6 pounds last night at UFC 144 weigh-ins. Jackson claims that this was due to an unspecified injury and as a result he will forfeit 20% of his show money to his opponent, Ryan Bader.
Ryan Bader seemed nonplussed by the fact Jackson missed weight by a considerable amount.
Via Fuel TV:
Jackson told his side of the story and had a message for Rich Franklin who, as a Fuel TV analyst, was critical of Jackson missing weight.
Payout Perspective:
Unlike Anthony Johnson, Rampage will likely get a pass for failing to make weight. However, Jackson was one of the big attractions for this card and the weight issue could mean he’s not at 100% which could affect his performance. In the end, missing weight might not impact attendance or buy rates but will affect Jackson’s salary. It may also create a rivalry with Rich Franklin.
On another note, Fuel TV sent out the above interviews covering the situation. Its another way for Fox to promote its presence on Fuel TV.
I guess just in my opinion, if Jackson wins this fight (and it’s not hella boring), and he never misses weight again, then no, it will not matter.
If this becomes a regular thing for him it could be an issue, but I doubt he has many matches left in his career at this point. If he loss to Bader, particularly a bad loss, then missing weight could haunt him. It would be like a double loss.
A rivalry with Rich Franklin could be a good thing though. They’d be good opponents if Rampage loses or if Franklin wins his next fight.
Dan,
I think a Franklin-Rampage rivalry could help both parties. Franklin is on the outside looking in with the 205 division. He’s a little too old to contend and injuries has forced him to take extended leave. Rampage is on a slide and he needs something to stop it.