It was interesting to see Quinton “Rampage” Jackson‘s reality show on Spike. So without further ado let’s go ahead and analyze it in-depth:
~ A comparison to other MMA reality shows ~
The two series this show can be compared to the most are the ‘Countdown to UFC’ and ‘UFC Primetime.’ Both shows display the fighters as they prepare for their fights, show their motivations, their pasts, and their personal lives. While both shows do this, the one that does it most in-depth is ‘UFC Primetime.‘
Both the Primetime and 4 Real series are divided into three episodes and cover the fighters each week as they edge closer to their fights. The huge difference is that while Primetime covers both fighters, Rampage 4 Real only covered Jackson’s preparations and background.
~ Where’s Jackson’s family? ~
Most reality shows that portray a fighter preparing for his or her fight show the fighter’s family to some degree. While a relative of Jackson’s did make an appearance, his cousin Dre. and his training partner Gavin Sterritt is almost as good as a family member, we did not see any of Jackson’s immediate family.
This is puzzling because Jackson has four children, D’Angelo, Raja, Elijah, and Naname, and though they were briefly separated, his wife Yuki. There is no sign of his family, in fact it shows him interacting with other women, though it never shows him having anything other than a passing relationship with them. The only possible explanation is that Jackson’s family may have had a desire not to be shown.
~ Jackson’s personality quirks ~
The show does a good job in portraying Jackson and all of his flaws. One of the flaws that Jackson has a food problem in that as he admits he has “no discipline” when it comes to food and it takes a while for him to conform to his training diet.
He also has problems when it comes to getting into shape. In fact it takes him isolating himself from his friends and entourage for him to fully concentrate. Another issue is Jackson’s temper, which can lead him to disrespect those who truly care about him.
~ Jackson’s health issues ~
In order to add some legitimacy to Jackson as a fighter, the series makes a special point about the fact that Jackson has had several injuries over the years. It is also emphasized that Bellator paid for the procedures on his knee so that he can perform at his best in years.
We see him getting special knee braces and shots in his knee in order to help it heal. It pays off as we see a healthy Jackson towards the end of his training camp. As we saw in his fight with Joey Beltran, of whom replaced Tito Ortiz, he performed at his best in his last few fights and will probably do well in the future.
What did you think of Rampage 4 Real? Leave a comment!