-- Ben Spalding
I have a hard time feeling sympathy for Rampage and his perceived lack of respect. How exactly have White and the UFC disrespected him? Jackson was awarded a title shot two fights into his UFC career, has headlined four of the six shows in which he has taken part and made $1.595 million in disclosed pay. Disrespect? Give me a break.
You cannot buy that kind of exposure, and without the UFC promotional juggernaut behind him, it seems unlikely a role in a major motion picture would have been made available to him. I doubt Hollywood was mining the World Fighting Alliance for talent. What’s more, White and the UFC stood behind Jackson when he went on his high-speed joyride through the streets and sidewalks of California, embarrassing himself and the sport by getting hauled off in handcuffs.
Don’t get the wrong impression. I don’t bemoan Jackson -- or any other fighter -- for pursuing opportunities outside the cage, especially when Ms. Biel is involved. However, he need not forget his roots or the people who made him a household name.