MMA Fighting reports that Scott Coker has turned over the Rampage Jackson issue to Bellator attorneys. The UFC announced the signing of Jackson on Saturday night.
Jackson provided an official statement on his departure from Bellator on his web site.
A portion of the statement reads:
After five months of grueling negotiations and gray-area contract talks with Bellator MMA and parent-company Viacom, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson officially terminates his contract with the up-and-coming promotion citing multiple breaches since the removal of President and Founder Bjorn Rebney. Jackson exercises a clause in the agreement that allows for a 45-day window to satisfy any contract dispute. Bellator MMA, failing to fulfill the requests of Jackson, was put on notice, failed to respond and eventually notified that negotiations were officially terminated.
Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting reported that the point of contention for Jackson was that “Bellator refused to provide the pay-per-view numbers for Bellator 120 when he fought against Muhammaed Lawal as contracted.”
Payout Perspective:
It appears that what Helwani is reporting is Jackson’s request for an audit of the Bellator 120 PPV numbers which one may conclude the buy rate is related to Jackson’s compensation. One might assume that the contract allowed a 45 day window where the parties would work to fix any issue with the contract. We can deduce that whatever problem that arose in the contract between Jackson and Bellator was not fixed. Or, it was not fixed to the satisfaction of Jackson. Jackson argues that since Bellator could not “cure” the problem with the contract within 45 days, he has a right to cancel the contract and thereby making the contract “void.” Certainly, Bellator is taking a different position on this. With Bellator attorneys involved, we may see another lawsuit in MMA coming soon.
Fighters are going to have to think real hard before they sign with anyone outside the UFC. You can make the UFC out to be the devil if you want. But the opportunity in the UFC is unmatched. Rampage could end up in a Eddie Alverez situation where he is forced back to Bellator or essentially end his career as he sits on the sidelines while it plays out in court. Is it worth being stuck in the minor leagues for life? If Bellator fights this like they did Alverez and with the shady past they have with treatment of fighters and not honoring their contract in good faith. I can see many fighters passing on signing with the promotion. Even if they pay you a little more on the front it. You will pay for it down the road. Now Rampage has a contract he claims he is happy with. Now there is a chance he will never get to collect it. But only has his self to blame.
Brainsmasher-Keep in mind that Bellator was runned by Bjorn when Page was signed now that Coker is there 1.He will be cleaning up some messes left by Bjorn 2.Alot of fighters I talked to are very happy Coker is there n has a good rep with lots of them so we can only hope thing will continue to get better with Bellator 3.Fighters like Page n Vitor have reps for not being loyal to anyone..they jump in bed w whoever gives them the best deal..Personally..i think Bellator is a good fit for some fighters on the way out..guys like Bonnar,Vanderlie,Cung Le n Varner would be big name fishes in a small B level pond where they could get pushed more where as in ufc they get passed over in all the talent n superstars.
Idiot on Jackson vs Ortiz
BrainSmasher on July 31st, 2013 8:41 PM
Disaster! 2 guys who haven’t won a fight or been meaningful in years and they are going to charge people to see it. lol
Im never one to call fix on legit MMA promotions unless that have a history. But I wouldn’t be surprised here. These guys have trained together for years and are friends. The announcement was very WWE like. Both are greedy attention whores who want to fit in. Bellator is tied to TNA through Viacom. I believe it is already in Jacksons contract to wrestler at some point. Who knows what Tito is up to. I don’t think this will be a worked fight. But there is enough signs to keep your eyes open.
But what I do predict is the fight will suck balls. It always does when two friends fight. Both guys are comfortable and there is no killer instinct. It always looks like a sparring match. Neither guys is in great shape and are old. Both will be tired by round 2. Ever the opportunist. I think Tito cherry picked this fight knowing Rampage isn’t what he used to be and im sure Tito will be in shape even is he is old. Rampage has to be in the best shape in years to win imo.
Regardless who wins. Im waiting for those famous words that fans and Bellator are sure to use……He’s Back!!!!! Because we all know the winner between two homeless guys is all of a sudden a badass!
Sergio,
Jackson’s deal was with Viacom, not Bjorn and Bellator. The issues are with the powers above Bjorn/Coker.