ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has issued a public apology after his son, Raja Jackson, was disqualified from the United World Wrestling (UWW) Grappling World Championships for what organizers termed an “irresponsible act of violence.”

The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation across the combat sports community, occurred Sunday during a match in the senior No-Gi 100kg division. Raja Jackson was seen striking his opponent multiple times after the opponent had already been rendered unconscious by a submission hold. The swift action by officials and the subsequent apology from his famous father have cast a spotlight on sportsmanship and athlete safety in the sport.

A Controversial Bout Ends in Disqualification

During an early-round match, Raja Jackson secured a rear-naked choke on his Kazakhstani opponent. As is common with the technique, the opponent lost consciousness. However, after releasing the hold, Jackson proceeded to land several punches to the head of his motionless competitor before the referee could physically intervene and stop the contest.

Video footage of the incident circulated rapidly on social media, sparking an immediate outcry from fans, fighters, and officials. The act was a clear violation of the rules and ethos of grappling, a discipline centered on controlled submission and respect, where strikes to a grounded opponent are prohibited.

United World Wrestling, the sport’s international governing body, acted decisively. In a statement, UWW announced Raja Jackson's immediate disqualification from the tournament. “United World Wrestling condemns the selfish and irresponsible act of violence that took place,” the statement read. “The safety of our athletes is paramount, and such behavior has no place in our sport. The incident is under review for further sanctions.”

A Father's Public Apology

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a celebrated and often controversial figure in MMA history known for his knockout power and charismatic personality, quickly addressed his son's actions. In a statement posted to his social media channels, the former champion expressed his disappointment and regret.

“I am very upset and I am sincerely sorry,” Jackson wrote. “That's not the way I taught him. I taught him to respect his opponents when the fight is over. He messed up, and he will learn from it. We apologize to the other fighter and his team.”

Jackson added that his son was “distraught” and understood the gravity of his mistake. The apology from one of the sport's most recognizable figures was seen as a necessary step in addressing the breach of conduct. While Rampage was known for his in-cage aggression, his public response emphasized his role as a father guiding his son through a significant professional and personal misstep.

Navigating a Legacy and Athlete Conduct

The incident raises difficult questions about the pressure on second-generation athletes who compete in the shadow of a famous parent. Raja Jackson, seeking to build his own career, now faces a significant setback that places his future under intense scrutiny.

Combat sports analysts and veteran fighters have noted that while controlled aggression is fundamental to the competition, actions after an opponent is incapacitated cross a critical line into unsportsmanlike conduct. Such behavior not only endangers athletes but also damages the reputation of grappling, a sport that prides itself on technical skill and discipline.

As the UWW's review continues, potential further sanctions could include a lengthy suspension. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of emotional control and ethical conduct in high-stakes competition. For Raja Jackson, the path forward will require demonstrating a renewed commitment to the principles of respect and fair play that are foundational to all combat sports.