Former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Rampage Jackson inked a new multi-million dollar deal with Bellator according to TMZ.
Bellator, owned by Bjorn Rebney, is a rival company to UFC and is the "largest tournament-based mixed martial arts promotion in the world."
The deal reportedly includes a reality show and an appearance on the show "Impact Wrestling." The 5-year-old company teamed up with Viacom in 2011 to feature events on MTV2. Bellator has continued creating "television alliances" in order to maximize publicity.
The news comes months after Jackson vowed to never fight with UFC because he felt the organization mistreated him and didn't properly compensate him.
"I didn't retire from MMA but as of now, I've left the UFC. The UFC didn't treat me right. I don't like the way I was treated there," Jackson told TMZ.
According to the president of UFC, Dana White, Jackson's decision to step away from UFC was not his decision but his fate.
"Rampage didn't quit. He lost his last 3 fights and his contract is up," White said. "Do you see me beating his door down to get him back? From 2007 to 2012, Rampage has made $15,2 million with the UFC. Ask him how much he made from the 'A-Team' when I let him go film it."
White told TMZ the revenue made from pay-per-view fights is public knowledge for the athletes that are featured for the event. He claims Jackson did not review the information which would have confirmed he was not coned out of proper compensation.
"When you look at my deal in the UFC, and the scope of what my deal with Bellator and TNA is, this is a dream come true," Jackson said. "When other fighters get the chance to see everything I'm able to do with this deal and the benefits it provides. you're going to see a big change in MMA. I guarantee it."
