Quinton Jackson: “I plan on knocking his ass out in front of my Japanese fans.”

When Quinton Jackson steps into the Octagon at UFC 144 he’ll do so in front of a Japanese audience almost six years to the day since he last entertained a crowd in the fight-friendly nation. While that bout may have involved a forgettable outpointing of Dong Sik Yoon, this time around “Rampage” has designs on a highlight reel knockout win to leave a favorable impression on the fans who cheered him on during his formative years in the sport.

Jackson, who understands it will also likely be the final time he competes in Japan, shared his expectations with the world in a recent online enty where he discussed opponent Ryan Bader as well as why the fight is so personal to him.

“Nothin’ is promised to no one. I should beat Ryan Bader at UFC 144 in Japan next Saturday – and I plan on knocking his ass out in front of my Japanese fans – but I’ve put in the work in the gym to make sure I do that,” explained Jackson on his Yahoo Sports blog.

“Some haters have said now that I didn’t get my belt back after three years of waiting for my shot, I’m not going to be motivated in my fighting career,” Jackson continued. “That is what my English friends call “bollocks”. I am very motivated to kick Bader’s ass. I was a little pissed off and disappointed that I didn’t get my belt back and I was upset with my performance. I’m going to take that out on Ryan Bader and – in front of the Japanese fight fans – put on a great fight.”

“Rampage” Thinks Japanese Fans are Light Years Ahead of American Fans

Jackson and Bader will serve as co-headliners on a card featuring lightweight champion Frankie Edgar putting his title on the line against Benson Henderson in the main event. Seven fights are scheduled for the PPV portion of the card.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC