Bellator
Rampage Jackson releases statement regarding Bellator, cites multiple breaches of contract since Bjorn Rebney's removal
Dec 21, 2014 - 4:00:34 PM Rampage Jackson releases statement regarding Bellator, cites multiple breaches of contract since Bjorn Rebney's removal

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

While Bellator contends they have a valid contract with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, the light heavyweight fighter has released a statement providing further reasoning for why he believes they were in breach, and why he was able to terminate the deal.

Here's his statement, via RampageJackson.com:

"After five months of grueling negotiations and gray-area contract talks with Bellator MMA and parent-company Viacom, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson officially terminates his contract with the up-and-coming promotion citing multiple breaches since the removal of President and Founder Bjorn Rebney. Jackson exercises a clause in the agreement that allows for a 45-day window to satisfy any contract dispute. Bellator MMA, failing to fulfill the requests of Jackson, was put on notice, failed to respond and eventually notified that negotiations were officially terminated.

Jackson's U.K.-based fight manager and Wolfslair Academy founder Anthony McGann confirms, late Saturday night, that 'Rampage has indeed signed with the UFC.' Details of the deal have not been made public. Jackson was available for comment late Saturday night from his Laguna Hills, CA training center Rampage Family Fitness and provided the following: 'I went to the UFC and we put a deal together that worked out for both of us. I'm excited to be here. The UFC had nothing to do with me leaving Bellator. I was done with Bellator when I made the final call and they still didn't do what they had to do contractually. I wish those guys the best but I'm where I belong."

Penick's Analysis: If that clause was indeed a part of his contract, and they failed to respond as he alleges, then he's got a strong case for ending his deal. Perhaps there wasn't a lot of communication amongst Bellator and Viacom officials, depending on who received any notice from Jackson in this situation. If Bellator really did have that clause written in as part of his deal, they may not have much recourse here if that time has passed.