MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson defended Conor McGregor amidst criticism for withdrawing from UFC 303 due to injury, emphasizing McGregor’s financial independence and contributions to the sport while expressing his support for McGregor’s future endeavors in fighting and entertainment.
Conor McGregor has a fan in MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
“The Notorious” has come under scrutiny following his withdrawal from UFC 303. This was preceded by McGregor canceling a press conference appearance in Dublin, Ireland. The event was to promote a June 29 headlining bout against Michael Chandler.
It’s since been revealed that McGregor is sidelined with an injury. But that hasn’t stopped critics from piling on the former two-division champion. He hasn’t competed since breaking his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Jackson was asked for his thoughts on the latest McGregor drama. He was quick to defend the star.
“Conor McGregor’s a fcking hundred-millionaire,” Jackson said. “What the fck are you doing? What the f*ck are you doing out there fighting?”
“You’ve only got to do that shit for the love and one day if you ain’t feeling it, f*ck it. He don’t need that shit. I can’t blame him.”
McGregor remains one of the biggest draws in all of combat sports despite fighting just five times since 2016. The 35-year-old had a meteoric rise to the top of the UFC ladder after signing with the promotion in 2013.
He went on to capture titles at 145 and 155 pounds. Providing some of the most iconic moments in the cage and on the mic in MMA history.
Though McGregor has struggled to just one win in his past four UFC fights, he booked a crossover bout with undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. That fight was enormously successful at the box office and cemented McGregor’s name in mainstream consciousness.
Given McGregor’s extraordinary profile, Rampage doesn’t see why he would ever take unnecessary risks. Rampage competes at Josh Barnett’s professional wrestling/martial arts hybrid event Bloodsport Bushido this Saturday.
“If I was that rich and I had any ounce of pain in my body, f*ck no, I would pull out of the fight too,” Jackson said. “No, if I’m being 100, if I was that rich and still fighting, I would be doing it purely for the love because I still love competing.”
“That’s why I’m still doing this Bloodsport and everything.” If I was injured, if I could injure myself even more, I wouldn’t do it.”
“People don’t think about is I have injuries right now.” “I’m 46 in a couple of days.” “I have injuries from 20 years ago that still bother me.”
“I’m going to be 60 years old remembering this injury.” “Like damn, I wish I would have tapped earlier or pulled out of that fight.”
“People don’t understand that.” “Why is he going to put himself through all this pain when financially he really don’t have to?”
“When you fight in MMA, you do it for love and finances.” “You do it for the check.”
Jackson acknowledged that attention and thrill of combat are still factors besides just looking at contract numbers. Like McGregor, he’s no stranger to opportunities outside MMA.
He dabbled in pro wrestling as well as acting. Most notably pursued when he took on B.A. Baracus role in The A-Team (2010).
McGregor recently had a starring role in Road House (2024). Jackson hopes to see more of him whether it’s in cage, ring, or big screen.
“Conor McGregor is a young legend of sport,” Jackson said. “Let that man do what he do, let him keep entertaining y’all.”
“Don’t get all caught up in him pulling out of fights and stuff like that.” “If he wants to come back, let him come back.”
“Shit, I want to see him box.” “I want to see Conor McGregor go and do more movies.”
“I think he’s done a lot for our sport.” “Made sport more household name.”
“I don’t give a f*ck if he pulls out of fights.” “I’ll be here waiting when he comes back.”
“I’m a big fan of Conor McGregor.”