‘A-Team Movie’ Causes UFC “Rampage”
The new A-Team movie is set to start filming, and sports a quality cast:
- Quinton “Rampage” Jackson as B.A. Baracus
- Liam Neeson as Col. Hannibal Smith
- Sharlto Copely as Capt. Murdock
- Bradley Cooper as Lt. Faceman Peck
- And Jessica Biel as an unknown character
If you look closely enough at the list, the name that should stand out as the oddball of the group is Quinton Jackson, or more commonly known to UFC fans as the howling Rampage. In a well-publicized war of words with UFC President Dana White, Rampage mentioned how important the A-Team was to him growing up, and shared fond memories of watching the classic 80’s show with his father. White however, was less than happy with his former fighter’s forage into acting.
MMA Fighters Going Hollywood
Dana White has stated how much he hates Hollywood and what it’s done to his stable of fighters. Former light heavyweight champion Randy Couture has been busy making movies, and the UFC recently lost another promising upstart, Roger Huerta, to the acting bug. Huerta will be in the upcoming Tekken movie. According to White, agents make big promises that they never intend to keep, but that’s not what’s really bothering him. Rampage was scheduled to fight Rashad Evans in his hometown to end a months long feud when Evans confronted him after a victory of Rashad’s teammate Keith Jardine. He was even featured on the popular television show The Ultimate Fighter as Evans’ opposing coach. This season drew in the most viewers ever as internet street fighting phenom Kimbo Slice joined the series.
Fans aren’t happy with Rampage either. On his official website, Rampage was blasted by fans for pulling out in favor of acting. He insists however, that his real fans will support him and that he has made the UFC a lot more money than they have made him. His only cause for concern is to find a viable way to provide for his family that doesn’t involve him being battered in a cage for a few rounds. Dana White insists that he would happily support Rampage in filming as many movies as he wanted if he just fulfilled his end of the contract and fought Sugar Rashad.
Would You Take the Risk?
It’s not known how much Rampage is making for the A-Team movie, but sources say his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, payment for his upcoming bout with Rashad and endorsements would have made him significantly more money. He may have also earned a title shot as he was next in line to face current light heavy weight champion Lyoto Machida anyways.
What would you do in Rampage’s situation? Would you take the risk of less pay in pursuit of a better working environment (read: no elbows to the face)?
