Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson has announced his plans for a comeback, targeting late 2023 for his return and expressing hopes to fight for the United Fight League, where he is a brand ambassador.
Quinton Jackson, the former light heavyweight champion and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) legend, has announced plans for a comeback. Jackson revealed during an appearance on “The MMA Hour” that he is hoping for a 2023 timeline for his first fight since losing to Fedor Emelianenko in 2019. Jackson, now 45 years old, is targeting the United Fight League (UFL) for his comeback fight. UFL is a rising promotion where he currently serves as a brand ambassador with Frank Mir and Tito Ortiz. According to Jackson, he plans to participate in a warm-up fight in UFL, further promoting the league, before considering a boxing match.
In the same interview, Jackson expressed his desire to take on Darrill Schoonover, a former contestant on Jackson’s season of “The Ultimate Fighter 10”, for his comeback fight. He famously had a feud with Schoonover on the show. However, it’s worth noting that Schoonover hasn’t fought professionally since 2014, although he stated in a 2016 interview with MMA Junkie that he would consider returning to the ring for a grudge match against Jackson. Jackson also candidly expressed his desire to face an opponent he hasn’t any personal liking for his next fight as he would then have to “destroy” them.
As for weight, Jackson claimed he’s aspiring to compete at heavyweight and aims to be around 225 to 230 pounds for the competition. He has already lost up to 35 pounds to get back in shape and has been dedicating himself to regular fasting. Also, he made it clear he is not bothered by any negative comments or “fat-shaming” online; in fact, he sees it as motivation. In his words, ” I guess they thought I was going to get butt-hurt or something, but no, they gave me a drive to get off of my ass and do something about it.”
The UFL is a new league, organized by Harrison Rogers, the president of the promotion, offering fighters medical and life insurance and a chance to acquire a stake in the company through various stock options. The United Fight League’s next event, UFL 3, is scheduled for Aug. 12 in Mesa, Arizona, and will be televised live on Rumble. Jackson, praising Harrison, said, “He really wants to take care of the fighters, and that’s why I decided to join forces with this guy.”