Son of MMA Legend ‘Rampage’ Jackson Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges Following Wrestling Incident

LOS ANGELES – Raja Jackson, the 25-year-old son of former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has formally pleaded not guilty to assault charges following an alleged violent altercation with a professional wrestler. The legal developments were confirmed by Jackson’s attorneys in statements to USA TODAY on Oct. 9.

Jackson now faces serious legal repercussions. According to charging documents obtained by USA TODAY, he has been charged with one felony count of battery causing bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of battery. The preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for Nov. 24 at the San Fernando Courthouse in Los Angeles, per records from the California Superior Court.

The stakes are high. The felony charge alone carries a potential prison sentence of up to four years. Prosecutors, however, are reportedly seeking an enhancement that could increase Jackson’s maximum possible sentence to seven years.

Raja Jackson was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in September and subsequently released on a $50,000 bail, according to official booking records. Jackson’s legal representation, attorney Michael Freedman, declined to elaborate on the circumstances of the case, noting only Jackson’s not-guilty plea.

The Alleged Incident

The charges against Jackson stem from an incident that occurred on Aug. 23 during the “Knox Experience,” a wrestling event organized by KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy. Video footage of the incident, which quickly went viral, shows Jackson reportedly interrupting a match and engaging physically with Stuart Smith, a wrestler known by the ring name Syko Stu.

In the live-streamed video reviewed by USA TODAY, Jackson is seen lifting, slamming, and repeatedly striking Smith. While some reports suggest that there may have been an initial agreement for Jackson to participate in a scripted wrestling segment, the interaction quickly escalated into what the wrestling academy described as “a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith” in a public statement on Aug. 24.

Another wrestler, Douglas Malo, was also involved in the chaos. According to interviews with USA TODAY, Malo reported that Smith suffered significant injuries during the altercation, including the loss of multiple teeth. The misdemeanor charge against Jackson is reportedly connected to his confrontation with Malo during the incident.

Smith was hospitalized following the event and remained under medical care until Aug. 31. In an Instagram post following his release, Smith detailed the extent of his injuries, which included a fractured facial bone and a serious head injury. The severity of these injuries has contributed to public attention and ongoing scrutiny of Jackson’s actions.

Public and Legal Reactions

The incident has sparked considerable discussion among fans of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. Many have expressed shock over the apparent escalation from a scripted performance to a real-life violent encounter. The wrestling academy involved emphasized that while interruptions and staged fights are part of wrestling shows, Jackson’s actions went beyond the bounds of entertainment and into criminal behavior.

Legal experts have noted that cases like this can be complex, particularly when staged performances are involved. If it is established that Jackson’s actions were unprovoked and caused substantial bodily harm, the felony charge could lead to significant prison time. Enhancements requested by prosecutors suggest that they believe aggravating factors—such as the severity of the injuries or Jackson’s behavior during the altercation—may apply, further increasing the potential penalties.

Jackson’s family, particularly his father Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a well-known figure in the MMA community, has not publicly commented on the case. The lack of a public family statement has left room for speculation, although legal representatives are expected to focus on a defense strategy that challenges the interpretation of the event and emphasizes Jackson’s not-guilty plea.

What’s Next

With the preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 24, attention will shift to the courtroom, where prosecutors will present evidence to support the charges. Jackson’s legal team is expected to mount a defense that may argue the incident was part of a prearranged wrestling segment or challenge the interpretation of his actions as criminal assault.

Observers will be watching closely, as the case raises questions about the intersection of staged athletic performance and real-world legal accountability. The outcome could have implications not only for Jackson but also for other performers who engage in high-contact entertainment sports.

For now, Raja Jackson remains free on bail, facing the looming prospect of a legal battle that could last months. The case underscores the potential consequences when actions during a public event cross the line from performance to actual violence, emphasizing the responsibilities of performers—even those with familial ties to celebrated athletes.

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