Quinton Jackson Sets Sights on MMA Comeback in 2023, Aims for Darrill Schoonover as Dream Opponent
Quinton Jackson is making a determined comeback in the world of MMA.
The esteemed MMA veteran and former UFC light heavyweight champion revealed on Monday during an interview with The MMA Hour that he is eyeing a return to the cage in late 2023. Jackson, 45, expressed his desire to compete for the United Fight League (UFL), a promising promotion where he currently serves as a brand ambassador alongside Frank Mir and Tito Ortiz.
“My plan is to promote the UFL, so I’m considering a warm-up fight there,” Jackson shared on The MMA Hour. “I want to have a warm-up fight in the UFL and gauge my performance. Additionally, I still have the goal of having a boxing match before I become too old. I’m currently 45 years old, and I want to fulfill that ambition before it’s too late.”
Jackson added, “I’m thinking about fighting around December in the UFL because it has been three years since my last fight.”
Jackson (38-14) disclosed that his ideal opponent for his comeback would be Darrill Schoonover, a former participant on Jackson’s season of The Ultimate Fighter 10. Their notorious feud during the show has left unfinished business between the two. Schoonover (14-8) has been inactive professionally since 2014 but previously expressed to MMA Junkie in 2016 that a grudge match against Jackson would entice him to come out of retirement.
“I don’t let things like that fade away,” Jackson stated regarding Schoonover. “He attempted to undermine me. However, Brendan Schaub, a fellow TUF castmate, believes that Darrill wouldn’t be willing to fight.”
“For my next fight, I don’t want to face someone I like because I have to annihilate them, regardless of who they are,” he added.
Jackson intends to compete in the heavyweight division and aims for a competition weight of approximately 225 to 230 pounds. He emphasized his recent commitment to getting back in shape by shedding up to 35 pounds. Jackson incorporates intermittent fasting throughout the majority of his week.
“Look, man, you witnessed my last fight. I needed a significant change,” Jackson expressed regarding his weight. “I was tired of being overweight. And I want to say something to all the listeners out there: Let’s revive fat-shaming. America has become too sensitive. Many MMA fans were commenting on my posts, talking trash. I guess they expected me to be hurt, but no, it motivated me to take action.”
“I don’t consider it bullying, what people were saying to me online. It served as motivation, and I responded to it.”
The UFL is an emerging promotion led by president Harrison Rogers. The promotion stands out by providing fighters with medical insurance, life insurance, and stock options as part of their compensation package, as stated in a February press release.
The next UFL event, UFL 3, is scheduled for August 12 in Mesa, Arizona, and will be livestreamed on Rumble.
“He genuinely cares about the fighters, and that’s why I decided to collaborate with him,” Jackson said of Rogers. “He’s one of the best. I highly respect him, and he’s teaching me a lot about the business. I feel honored to know someone like him who genuinely looks out for the fighters.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA comeback
When is Quinton Jackson planning his MMA comeback?
Quinton Jackson is targeting a comeback in late 2023.
Which promotion is Quinton Jackson planning to fight for?
He is planning to fight for the United Fight League (UFL), where he also serves as a brand ambassador.
Who is Quinton Jackson’s dream opponent for his comeback?
His dream opponent for his comeback is Darrill Schoonover, a former cast member on Jackson’s season of The Ultimate Fighter 10.
Has Darrill Schoonover expressed interest in a grudge match against Quinton Jackson?
Yes, Schoonover previously stated that a grudge match against Jackson would be a fight that could convince him to come out of retirement.
What weight division does Quinton Jackson plan to compete in?
Jackson intends to fight in the heavyweight division and aims for a competition weight of around 225 to 230 pounds.
What are some details about the United Fight League (UFL)?
The UFL is a new promotion led by president Harrison Rogers. It offers fighters medical insurance, life insurance, and stock options as part of their compensation package.
When is the next UFL event?
The next UFL event, UFL 3, is scheduled to take place on August 12, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona, and will be livestreamed on Rumble.
More about MMA comeback
- The MMA Hour interview (source): Link
- Darrill Schoonover’s interview with MMA Junkie (source): Link
- United Fight League (UFL) press release (source): Link
- UFL 3 event details (source): Link
