Quinton Jackson: "Japanese fans are my favorite. And American fans are jealous that I say that"
by Hubert Lau on November 28, 2011

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is eager to fight in Japan and in front of his favorite fans according to fightersonlymagazine.co.uk.

"In Japan, I used to slam a lot and put on more of a show because the energy from the fans gave me power and I don't feel the same energy in the US. So, I can't honestly say I improved or evolved in a good way since leaving Japan," Jackson said.

Jackson has been vocal about his desire to take part in the UFC's return to Japan at UFC 144. He recently got his wish and will be meeting Ryan Bader on the main card. Jackson has previously spent his career with the Japanese based promotion, Pride FC, where he rose to prominence.

His last bout in Japan was at Pride 31, a unanimous decision victory over Yoon Dong-Sik.

"I'm all about putting on an exciting fight in Japan. One thing I love about Japanese fans and why I love them the most is that they don't care if you win or lose. All they care is if you have samurai spirit, that you put on a good fight...That's why Japanese fans are my favorite. And American fans are jealous that I say that all the time," Jackson added.

UFC 144 is scheduled for February 26, 2012 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Jackson vs. Bader will be on the main card. Frankie Edgar to defend his UFC lightweight belt against Ben Henderson in the main event.

 |  (12) Comments Wandering_Minstrel: I think there's some truth to what he says about the Japanese fans. I think they have a deeper appreciation for fights than the casual American fans. GO HARD: American fans suck... why dont we chant like the european countries.. what do they say anyway?? even Brazil did it too and Canada. Any who Japan fans are the best... no diggity! WARRIR SPIRIT! Hizoka: Page is right. American fans do not respect MMA, you got the childish homo-fobes saying its to guys dry humping, and the ones that do do that just boo the ground game because they are clueless as to what going on. The average redneck watching MMA wants to see a bar fight, not a competative match up between 2 great sportsmen. Granted with guys like Fail Sonnen its hard to appreciate the art of MMA when a [guy] like that wants to turn it in to the WWE without fixed outcomes. Lady Dragon 420: He is right imo most Americans don't appreciate MMA the way it should be. mike5k: Maybe I'm going to be the only person to take offense to this. First I'll say emphatically that there's some truth in what he's saying but yo, Rampage, you're saying you haven't been as good in the U.S. because the fans aren't as loud? How about the fans aren't as loud because you haven't been as good in the U.S.? How about you saying (and showing) that your heart really isn't in fighting anymore and talking about acting and retiring all the time? How about you showing up for fights out of shape and untrained? Is that our fault too? How about the fact that despite that, you're STILL one of the highest paid and most popular fighters here? Screw that. Japanese fans are great, no question, and the U.S. has more than its share of uneducated fans that don't know what they're booing but in the grand scheme of things, people pay their money and make it possible for you to make a great living doing something that you (used to) love to do. The pressure's on brother, you called us out. Don't show up at Saitama Arena the way you showed up for the Hamill fight. You'll have no one left to blame.
HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
TAKE ANOTHER POLL!