More details surfaced this weekend surrounding the bizarre arrest of former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Quentin “Rampage” Jackson.
The Memphis native was checked into a hospital for a mental evaluation. After initially being admitted for a 72 hour observation, Jackson’s stay has been extended.
“I think it’s going to be a while before we get him back,” current UFC President Dana White told Yahoo! Sports. “I’m talking as a friend. It’s a sensitive issue. Rampage, the UFC fighter, who cares about that. [sic] We’re concerned about Rampage, the human being. What matters is his personal life.”
Jackson–who is married with four children– was arrested Tuesday in Costa Mesa, California after a police officer spotted him driving on a flat tire and talking on a cell phone. When the officer tried to pull Jackson over, he evaded police, striking several vehicles during the brief chase.
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White says there were unusual circumstances leading up to Tuesday’s event.
“He was up for four days and he was doing some crazy fasting thing. He was up for four days, drinking water and energy drinks, that was it. It’s not good.”
According to White, Jackson did not have any drugs in his system, but believes that Jackson’s sudden burst of fame was a factor.
“As this thing continues to grow and people will get more famous,”White added. “Fame isn’t easy to deal with. Harder for all the fighter are all the cling-ons. I can’t police every fighter. As soon as something goes wrong I’m there and I’ll help them.”
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Jackson recently lost his light heavyweight title via unanimous decision to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86 July 5.