King of the Cage founder discloses incentive Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson was offered in Pride if he lost: "Knocked out or choked unconscious"
King of the Cage founder Terry Trebilcock recently disclosed that Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson was offered an incentive for his bout against a beloved Japanese star in Pride. He noted that the Memphis native wasn't given a base fee and the result of the bout would determine how much he was paid.
'Rampage' earned his first big break as he joined the Japanese promotion in 2001, but his first fight wasn't an easy task as he took on Kazushi Sakuraba in the co-main event at Pride 15. Jackson would soon find out the behind-the-scenes working of the major promotion and how they attempted to ensure that their countryman looked strong both in victory and defeat.
During his appearance on 'Rampage's JAXXON PODCAST, the King of the Cage founder disclosed that Pride didn't want him to tap out. Trebilcock mentioned that Jackson was offered a amount if he won and method of victory, however, his fighter purse for a loss would only be higher if he lost via knockout or passing out:
"In the contract, the Pride group at the time...I don't even know if the head of Pride knew...[but the others] had a deal written down on paper [saying] that [Jackson] got paid this much if he won, this much if he lost...but there was [an amount] in between...if he got knocked out or choked unconscious. And as poor as he was at that time, he needed that money, he didn't give them that. He eventually tapped to the choke and they were pi**ed." [11:21 - 12:01]
Check out the full episode of Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's JAXXON PODCAST with Terry Trebilcock below:
What happened when Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson fought Kazushi Sakuraba?
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson fought Kazushi Sakuraba fought at Pride 15 in 2001, which took place at the famous Saitama Super Arena.
It was a big step up in competition for 'Rampage', especially considering the Japanese star's experience in both the UFC and Pride. Sakuraba used his grappling to his advantage as he submitted Jackson via rear-naked choke. Based on the aforementioned comments disclosed, he was only paid for the loss rather than the extra incentive if he passed out to the choke.
Check out MMA History Today's tweet regarding Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs. Kazushi Sakuraba below: