Going on a Rampage in Japan

Quinton Jackson says he's going on a "rampage" in Japan at UFC 144.

The former unified UFC and PRIDE light-heavyweight champion has competed in 41 professional mixed martial arts bouts, 19 of which took place in Japan.

When Jackson steps into the Octagon on Saturday, it will be six years to the day since he last competed in the country he grew so fond of.

"I had a lot of success (in Japan), but the real reason I was so anxious to be on this UFC 144 card is that have a special bond with the Japanese fans," Jackson told the UFC from his hotel in Tokyo. "I've really missed fighting here, just the whole energy of the place and how they go crazy but they are also so respectful at the same time. I was so determined to make sure I was on this card."

Jackson lived and fought in Japan from 2001-2006 and became a superstar. His last fight there was a unanimous decision win over Yoon Dong-Sik at PRIDE 31 on Feb. 26, 2006.

As soon as the UFC announced they would be holding a show at the Saitama Super Arena, the 33-year-old said that he pestered UFC president Dana White constantly about wanting to be on the card and it eventually paid off.

"I guess he got tired of me asking and put me as the co-main event with Ryan Bader. Honestly, I'd have been cool as a prelim guy for this fight," Jackson said. "I'm so happy, so excited to be here. I've seen some old friends, fans of mine who became friends, who are coming to the fight and I can't wait for UFC 144 this weekend."

Jackson is coming off a fourth-round submission loss to current 205-pound champ Jon Jones at UFC 135 in September, but says getting back on the winning track isn't his number one goal for his bout with Bader.

"I'm going to go on the Rampage in Japan. I'm going to go back to my old style and just whoop his ass," Jackson said.

"He's a good fighter, he can punch and wrestle like me, but I want to fight like I did in Japan, just fight and give the fans a fight they will remember for years like they do my PRIDE days. That's all I care about. I'm looking to do some slams, my power bomb and knocking Ryan Bader out!"

To commemorate Rampage's return to Japan, the UFC designed a limited edition UFC 144 poster in the style of Japanese 'Manga' movies.

Since 2002, Jackson's only losses have been at the hands of current or former world champions (Jones, Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, Mauricio Rua and Wanderlei Silva).

In his 13-year MMA career Jackson has wins over the likes of Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Silva, Lyoto Machida and Ricardo Arona.