The life of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has been bizarre recently, to say the least.
Struggles in the courtroom and a parting with coach and mentor Juanito Ibarra have left the former UFC light heavyweight champion's life chaotic.
Recently Jackson announced he had inked a deal with Wolfslair management. The British-based gym is home to UFC fighters Michael Bisping and Paul Kelly, as well as several other highly regarded U.K. prospects.
Manager of the stable Anthony McGann recently spoke to MMAjunkie.com (
www.mmajunkie.com) on the formation of Jackson's new deal.
"We have had a relationship with Quinton for a while now, so that made this arrangement possible," McGann said. "We became friends when he came over for a seminar which never happened, and he ended up staying at my house.
"For UFC 75 in London, Quinton came over with Cheick Kongo and we ran a training camp at the 'Lair. It is here where he struck up a very good rapport with our striking coaches -- Tony Quigley our boxing coach and Dave Jackson our [muay-thai] coach."
Since the announcement many have questioned why Jackson chose to align himself with a British-based camp. McGann elaborated further on why Jackson chose the Lancashire, England gym.
"Quinton has become very friendly with many of our guys," McGann explained. "Obviously he already was good friends with Michael (Bisping), but he has really came to like and respect the younger members of our team such as Paul Kelly and Tom Blackledge."
With Jackson a resident of California, uncertainty has arisen over the fighter’s future training camps. McGann laid out the plans for Jackson's upcoming fights.
"For fights in America we will simply run camps at Big Bear, Calif.," McGann said. "So, nothing much will change in that regard. He will train with mostly the same group of guys except we will oversee the training instead of (former trainer) Juanito (Ibarra).
"However, if Quinton is headlining one of the U.K. cards, he will train at our Wolfslair gym and do his whole camp in England, so there is no problem whatsoever with Quinton’s training schedule."
Various critics have questioned McGann and head trainer Lee Gwyne’s business credentials and leadership capabilities. McGann eased concerns by stating his intentions for the charismatic UFC star.
"Our experience with Michael Bisping will help us a lot," McGann explained. "We have built up a good relationship with the UFC ever since Michael was on 'The Ultimate Fighter 3.'
"We also have the ability to get big sponsorship deals for our guys. We are more than capable of handling the business side of Quinton’s career."
Speculation has been rife of when Jackson will make his return to the octagon. Due to his recent legal issues, there has been a clamor over what lies ahead for the colorful star.
"December looks most likely to be the date for his return," McGann said. "It is not hard to work out who is possible opponents. The problem is with the 205-pound class, many of the top fighters are all ready booked for fights or are injured.
"I think it is certain to be either (Mauricio) 'Shogun' (Rua) or Wanderlei Silva."
