While the Bellator 120 headlining fight between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "King" Mo Lawal was a complete dud, the build up to and fallout of the fight have been beyond entertaining. According to MMAFighting.com's Luke Thomas, though, the fight actually came dangerously close to not happening.
Talking to the Mississippi Athletic Commission's Jon Lewis, he revealed that Jackson's shove of Lawal at the event's weigh-ins carried a $10,000 fine—something that Jackson did not take kindly to.
"He got very irate and at this point was f-bombing me pretty bad," Lewis said. He went on to describe Jackson as an "out of control individual to the nth degree."
Jackson's behavior, Lewis said, had the Commission turning over the idea of denying Jackson the opportunity to fight at the event. He decided against the move, however, after a discussion with Bellator.
"Rampage" would go on to apologize off-camera following the fight. He is still on the hook for the fine, however.
For those who missed it, Jackson and Lawal had a heated rivalry entering their bout. They exchanged words early and often, culminating with Jackson giving Lawal a hearty shove at the event's weigh-ins.
In spite of the vitriolic build-up to the fight, the bout was generally lethargic. Lawal attempted to wrestle Jackson, who defended competently. In the end, Jackson would get the better end of a relatively controversial unanimous decision.
Jackson hasn't been the only one getting press since the fight, however. Lawal ripped Bellator President Bjorn Rebney for "d--k-riding" Jackson and giving him preferential treatment. Following the bout, both fighters expressed interest in a rematch, so it is very possible we may see the two of them face off again in the near future.
Stick with Bleacher Report for more details as they become available.
