MMA News: 'Rampage' Jackson, Ryan Bader, Joe Rogan, Nate Marquardt and More

During a pre-fight interview, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson said he doesn’t care if he defeats Ryan Bader at UFC 144, he just wants to put on a show.

“I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if I beat Ryan Bader or not, I just want to put on the best show the world has ever seen. I never claimed to be a martial artist or a guy who’s good at everything. I’m a street fighter. There’s a lot of things I don’t care about. I don’t care to know what my opponent’s doing, I don’t care to know his skills or stuff like that, because I’m a brawler. You know, a street fight you just walk up to the guy and start a fight; you ain’t got no tape on this guy. I just want to go put on a great show. Ryan Bader can come and take me down, he can come and try to submit me, he can stand with me, I don’t care. I’m prepared for everything. I’m prepared to be on my back, getting up from my back, defending his takedowns, and try to knock his head off.”

He may have said that, but he cares if he wins or not. All fighters do, even if they want to put on a show. But, I would like to see the old Rampage come out, looking for powerbombs and devastating punches. And I’m sure the Japanese fans would love it.

During his podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Joe Rogan addressed Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s criticisms of his commentary.

“Rampage Jackson’s mad at me. I was watching and he was calling me fake ass. He was saying that all I want him to do his throw low kicks and the reason he doesn’t throw low kicks is because he was fighting a wrestler ‘you dumbass.’ Look, man, I love Rampage. I don’t mean to be rude when I assess things. I’m just trying to objectively figure out how this guy could be doing better than he’s doing. When I’m doing commentary on a fight, all I’m trying to do is sort of objectively assess what I think someone could be doing differently to try to get themselves out of spots if they’re not winning. I’m just trying to commentate. I’m not like critiquing the guy’s soul. I’m not like breaking down who he is as a person. I like the guy a lot…The last thing I want to do is add more pressure or add more stress…I’m analyzing the fight, that’s all it is. I have to be objective. I can’t protect someone’s feelings at the expense of doing what I’m supposed to be doing, which is sort of analyzing what’s going on.”

Yeah, I think Rampage took it too hard. While some people may or may not like Rogan, it’s his job to comment on what’s going on. And a lot of the time he’s right. If Rampage would throw just a few more kicks, it would keep his opponents guessing, and not just defending the punch. But what do I know, I’m just a dumb blog-runner. 

It seems that Nate Marquardt is on his way back to Zuffa, though not the UFC. Ariel Helwani confirmed rumors on UFC Tonight that he has signed with Strikeforce and will make his debut sometime in May or June, where he is expected to face Tyron Woodley for the vacant Strikeforce Welterweight Championship.

This is his chance to make good with the UFC brass and get back into the Octagon. If he wins a couple in Strikeforce, he’ll be brought back over into the UFC, I have not doubt. But Woodley is going to be a good test.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza has a change in opponent for the March 3 Strikeforce “Tate vs. Rousey” event in Columbus, OH, as Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker announced that Derek Brunson had failed his pre-fight medicals, taking him out of the fight. Bristol Marunde is stepping on on short notice for the bout. Brunson gave an explanation on Twitter, saying the Ohio commission wouldn’t license him because of a failed eye exam, even though he’s worn contact lenses for his past 11 fights with no issues.

This is unfortunate for both Souza and Brunson, but a huge opportunity for Marunde. A good showing here could be his ticket to the big show.

According to a report on MMAJunkie.com, the UFC has added another rising heavyweight/light-heavyweight to their roster. The report states that 32-year-old Glover Teixeira has signed with the organization and is expected to make his debut sometime soon.

This is a huge signing, and 5 wins late. Teixeira is 17-2, going 5-0 in 2011 and stopping all of those opponents. I can’t wait for his first fight inside the Octagon.