‘Rampage’ Jackson Rejuvenated by Possibility of Winning Bellator Heavyweight Crown

Over the years, Quinton Jackson has made it clear that he prefers to fight a certain type of fight.

That usually involves plenty of standup exchanges with a minimal emphasis placed on wrestling. When the style isn’t to his liking, “Rampage” makes it known. However, as much as he considers himself to be an entertainer in the cage, Jackson has his eyes on the prize when it comes to the Bellator heavyweight grand prix.

Jackson will square off against Chael Sonnen in the Bellator 192 headliner on Saturday at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The card airs on the Paramount Network beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Jackson vs. Sonnen is the first quarterfinal of the eight-man heavyweight bracket. The winner of the tournament will be crowned heavyweight champion by the end of the 2018.

“I’ve been quite honest about me being a part of MMA. I’ve always wanted to entertain the fans,” Jackson said at a pre-fight press conference. “But my No. 1 priority is to try to win this tournament. I think I can take a step back from trying to entertain the fans for this tournament. After I get past Chael…I think the other fights should be enough entertainment unless I run into the winner between [Muhammed Lawl and Ryan Bader], two more wrestlers that like to leg hump.”

Jackson opened as the biggest underdog to win the tournament. But he says that the possibility winning another title has him feeling rejuvenated.

“I want to be heavyweight champion now,” Jackson said. “I’m in this tournament, I get to be heavyweight champion if I win. I want that belt. I got a Pride belt, I’ve got a UFC belt. I want the Bellator belt. Now I’m in a tournament, why not?”

To get started on that path, “Rampage” will have to deal with what has been his kryptonite — a grinding wrestler in Sonnen.

“It’s no secret what I’m gonna do,” Jackson said. “Everybody knows my job is to stay on my feet for as long as it takes to knock Chael the fu—k out.”