Dana White is very angry with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s decision to reschedule his bout with Rashad Evans in favor of accepting a movie role in the new “A-Team” film.
According to White, Jackson’s decision screwed up the UFC’s plans for the rest of the calendar year, including the ability to counter program the upcoming Strikeforce card.
And he’s so miffed about it that he hasn’t spoken to Jackson since learning the news.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, White had the following to say:
“Thanks to B.A. Baracus, I couldn’t pull it off,” White said. “B.A. [expletive] me. The collateral damage that was done by him on this thing was unbelievable.”
“What happens is, [Jackson] calls up and says he’s doing this movie. I said, ‘No, you’re not. You’re going to fight Rashad in December. You do whatever you want to do after this fight. You want to retire and become an actor? You want to join the monastery? I don’t care what you do after this fight, but ‘Rampage,’ you’re going to fight this fight.’
“He said, ‘OK.’ Then he had his manager fly in from England and met me at the hangar before I was leaving to go out of town to tell me that he wasn’t going to (fight Evans). [Rampage] and I haven’t talked since.”
Here’s to hoping that White and Jackson settle their differences before this ordeal reaches Tito Ortiz levels. And here’s to White hopefully realizing that Jackson’s starring role in the movie is actually a good thing for UFC international business. Sure, the grudge match with Rashad Evans gets delayed a few months, but it’ll still do massive business. The A-Team flick is going to be a very big international hit, and having a recognizable face like Jackson’s will help the UFC’s marketing efforts in countries where they haven’t gone yet.
It’s a win-win situation, but White is taking it personally.
