Quinton “Rampage” Jackson Says Joe Silva’s Matchmaking Is Why He’s Leaving the UFC

It’s no secret that Quinton “Rampage” Jackson plans on testing free agency after he fulfills the final fight on his current UFC contract.

Jackson has been quite loud when speaking his displeasure with the organization in several different areas, but according to his latest interview, matchmaker Joe Silva is one of the biggest reasons why he’s looking for greener pastures.

Following an injury that kept him out of his last scheduled fight at UFC 153, Jackson expressed interest in fighting either Glover Teixeira or old foe Forrest Griffin.

Jackson lost the UFC light heavyweight title to Griffin at UFC 86 in 2008, and “Rampage” has wanted a rematch ever since. When Griffin lost his original opponent at UFC 155 later this year, Jackson immediately voiced his opinion to get the fight.

UFC matchmaker Joe Silva opted to place former NCAA champion Phil Davis in the slot instead, and Jackson was none too happy with the decision.

“This is why I’m leaving the UFC, I don’t understand what Joe Silva’s doing. Joe Silva have a complex, something’s wrong with him. The guy can’t match shoes, what kind of matchmaker is this guy? What is he thinking? Give me Forrest,” Jackson told Inside MMA.

“Everybody wants that, that would sell, everybody wants to see me and Forrest fight again.”

Jackson criticized the matchmaking of the fight between Griffin and Davis, and he believes the bout will be nothing short of a snoozer.

“That’s going to be a boring fight, no disrespect to anybody, but that’s going to be a boring fight. I’m sorry,” Jackson stated.

Jackson admits he would love the chance to avenge the loss to Griffin, but he’s not so sure the former light heavyweight champion would actually face him even if Silva did offer the fight.

“Everybody wants to see it but Forrest, because Forrest knows I beat him the first time. He knows it, everybody knows it,” said Jackson.

As of now, Jackson remains on the sidelines awaiting word from the UFC on when or who he will fight next. Unless something changes, Jackson will compete in that fight, and then enter free agency where he plans to test the waters outside the UFC.

Check out the full interview with Rampage from Inside MMA below: