MMA Fans Slam ‘Rampage’ Jackson For Accusing Jake Paul Of Staging Knockouts: “Give Him Respect”

In the constantly changing world of combat sports, two giants are locked in conflict—or at least an angry dialogue. The subject? Jake Paul. 8-1 boxer, right out of the chute. Given his brashness and controversy, not everyone is willing to give him a warm reception, though.

In steps Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, former UFC light heavyweight champion and shade-thrower extraordinaire. But not long ago, Jackson expressed his doubts as to whether some of Paul’s knockouts were real. The theory is somewhat reminiscent of something out of the script for a Hollywood movie.

“First, just don’t lie to yourself; I am a fighter. It seems like all of his knockouts are prearranged. So he’s making a killing in there, huh? I was wondering, if he were telling these guys, ‘I’m going to give you two million more dollars, just get knocked out,’ would Calabasa Fight Company have gotten this far?” Jackson asks while watching UFC 296 on the companion channel.

Actually, these remarks didn’t go unheeded either. Fanatical MMA fans were quick to make their feelings known over social media. A certain fan called him a ‘purebreed hater,’ and everyone could see that there was going to be polarisation in the community. To me, this is a familiar story—old guard versus new offcomers and old ways against understanding.

As they often say, respect is earned. 21-year-old Jake Paul has certainly followed a winding road of uneven popularity on the way to his current status as one of boxing’s hottest stars. In January 2020, his professional debut against AnEsonGib launched a string of big-name victories that now include Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, and Tyron Woodley.

Paul’s newest highlight was a first-round knockout of André August. That was a series that not only got fans avidly cheering but also became suspect. Take the case of Rampage Jackson, for instance. Question on many lips: But are these knockouts really the stuff of great skill, or is there something more to them?

Although scepticism is a healthy and normal part of sports, some say that for his efforts, Jake Paul ought to be given credit. Another jeering fan piped up, asking to give “Jake Paul his props.” This shows that even detractors have begun realising he is not just a sideshow but has some serious credibility both in and out of the ring, earning praise from many strange corners.

Meanwhile, caught up in the controversy, Jake Paul himself continues pushing boundaries and recently announced a shocking new partnership with USA Boxing just before the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 26-year-old American is going to cover the national boxing team, where he will document their perpetual changes and movements on his social media sites.

However, Paul’s efforts do’n’t stop with promotional activities. He aims to help the athletes build their individual brands, stressing a sense of responsibility for boxing beyond the parameters of competition. Paul wrote in an Instagram post that he is honoured to be working with USA Boxing, noting that efforts outside the ring are even more important than those within.

Paul says, “I am very proud to be working with US Boxing as the 2024 Paris Olympics draw nearer. My relationship with boxing extends well beyond my achievements in the ring; I want what I do outside of it to have an even larger influence than anything inside a ring could ever give me.”

This put another dimension on polarising figure Jake Paul. Even though some will wonder about his intentions and sincerity, working with America’s boxing authority relatively indicates a degree of acceptance from the rest of the world. That’s a big move for an ‘internet problem child’ to have adopted the same pillars as built that sport.

While the arguments rage, with Rampage trying to darken spots for his opponent’s knockout wins and fans falling over themselves whether he loves or hates him a little bit in return, one thing is beyond doubt: Jake Paul cannot be ignored. He might be seen as a master marketer, or perhaps an official ambassador for the sport. But whether channelling hate and leaving himself open to both sides of every controversy in boxing today, half opened and lady blindfolded, no justice is done where friendship is concerned. Or he gets worked up saying it takes finances ‘bloody strokes’ to whet his appetite; who can doubt that?

Ultimately, whether or not the knockouts are real isn’t really relevant; what still has people talking is where it all leads. O You may love him or hate him, but there is no denying that Jake Paul has grabbed their attention and created a focal point for the overlap of entertainment with sports. We’re all raptly watching to see just what happens next in his storybook life.