Assuming Bellator MMA’s high-powered lawyers don’t interfere, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s (pictured) return to the octagon will come against Fabio Maldonado at UFC 186.
UFC officials announced the shootout Saturday night via Twitter.
The April 25 event takes place inside Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The UFC re-signed Jackson last month after the veteran exercised an out in his Bellator contract because he states the promotion didn’t live up to their end of the multi-year agreement they signed in July 2013. Bellator is refuting Jackson’s claims and have threatened legal action if he takes the cage for the UFC.
Jackson essentially completed his contractual obligations with the UFC following January 2013’s unanimous decision defeat to Glover Teixeira. Although there was some fine print at the bottom of his contract that allowed the UFC to match any offer that came across his table, they opted to part ways because of the disrespectful comments he made leading up to his final Octagon fights.
Like many others, Jackson complained of disrespect, low pay and under appreciation.
The 36-year-old then signed with Bellator MMA and TNA Impact Wrestling. Although his professional wrestling career was short-lived, Jackson went 3-0 for Bellator.
Maldonado has won four of his last five fights, including October’s TKO over Hans Stringer. The slugger is the perfect opponent for Jackson, as both 205-pounders prefer a standup war.
Here is the show’s rumored lineup to date:
Valerie Letourneau vs. Jessica Rakoczy
Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. David Michaud
Patrick Cote vs. Joe Riggs
Michael Bisping vs. C.B. Dollaway
Quinton Jackson vs. Fabio Maldonado
Hector Lombard vs. Rory MacDonald
Renan Barao vs. T.J. Dillashaw (UFC bantamweight champion)
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