Bellator announced that Quentin “Rampage” Jackson has re-signed an exclusive multi-fight deal with the company according to a company release. He is expected to return to the Bellator cage as part of a Heavyweight Grand Prix event ran by the company in 2018.
Jackson was to return to the UFC as a part of a deal with the company relating to a lawsuit between Rampage and Bellator. According to reports, the UFC renounced its right to Jackson allowing for the former UFC light heavyweight champion to return to Bellator.
Scott Coker announced that Bellator will host an eight-man heavyweight tournament known as the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018. The winner will get the vacant Bellator belt. Fedor, Frank Mir, Matt Mitrione, Roy Nelson, Ryan Bader, Mo Lawal, Chael Sonnen and Jackson will compete. No date has been set for the first round of fights but the final is targeted for December 2018.
Payout Perspective:
Jackson’s re-signing is not surprising as the UFC likely did not want to sign him to a big deal. Moreover, it’s clear based on his recent performances, he was not in the company’s future plans. But, for Bellator, he can still be of value especially with the Grand Prix tourney. Jackson will not have to cut weight and can still draw for the company.
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