Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

After going 1-4 in his final five fights in the UFC, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson didn’t want to re-sign with the organization and isn’t looking back. He spoke about starting a career in boxing, but at 34-years old, and having a 14-year fighting career already, it could be a little late to put on the big mittens to take even more accumulated blows to the head. Should Rampage retire, or will Bellator MMA be the perfect fit for the former UFC light-heavyweight champ?

Can Rampage regain superstar status under the Bellator banner? Their light-heavyweight division isn’t the most stacked, but if Jackson can bring some raw 205-pound action to another company, he can definitely raise his value in MMA and put butts in the seats at the same time. At UFC on FOX 6, Rampage lost to Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision. Even though he was controlled throughout the fight, Jackson never stopped fighting until the final bell. Many avid fight fans today still appreciate Jackson’s aggressive attack, as he was the pioneer of slams back in the good ole’ Pride days.

Now the Bellator promotion has reached out to Rampage, and according to MMAFIGHTING.com – the deal is signed. If Bellator can capitalize on their acquirement of this ready-made superstar, more attention to their logo and more viewers are to come. Remember, too, the Bellator reality show. The series premier will air on June 19th at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PDT.

Adding Jackson to the coaching cast, or even just a special appearance by him can help their brand bring in some stronger viewership.