UFC takes a shot at Bellator over 'Rampage' decision, says UFC 186 will proceed as planned

Quinton Jackson

In a surprising move, the UFC today indicated it will fight to keep Quinton Jackson in the co-headliner of this month’s UFC 186 – despite a court injunction against the fighter.

The promotion threatened “action” against an unnamed party to “protect its rights” and also took a shot at Bellator, which won the injunction today in New Jersey Superior Court.

“UFC has been advised of the New Jersey state court’s ruling in the matter between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Bellator MMA,” the statement reads. “The UFC organization was surprised about the ruling because Mr. Jackson represented to UFC on multiple occasions that he was free to negotiate and contract with UFC. The UFC organization is also surprised that Bellator sat on its alleged rights for months before taking action.

“UFC understands that Mr. Jackson is considering an emergency appeal, and UFC is also considering action to protect its rights and minimize damages regarding this matter. UFC 186 in Montreal, Canada will proceed as planned and UFC is currently evaluating its fight card options.”

Bellator filed suit against “Rampage” in chancery court on March 4, alleging he breached a deal signed in June 2013. An April 2 hearing was delayed and pushed back to today.

Jackson, a former UFC titleholder, signed with Bellator in 2013 after a falling out with the UFC. He had believed Bellator officials breached his contract by failing to disclose pay-per-view buyrates, among other issues, which opened the door for a UFC return. The 36-year-old fighter, who’s ranked No. 10 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light-heavyweight rankings, then signed a deal to return to the UFC this past December. Bellator executives, though, warned that the promotion would fight to protect its rights in court.

This past week, Bellator President Scott Coker declined to comment on the injunction request, citing pending litigation. However, following today’s decision, the organization released a statement.

“We are pleased by the judge’s ruling and look forward to having ‘Rampage’ fight for Bellator again soon,” it stated.

MMAjunkie will have more on this story as it develops.

For more on UFC 186, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.