Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Pride Champion, made a compelling case for wrestling’s significance during a recent appearance on the JAXXON PODCAST with hosts Henry Cejudo and Bear.
During a spirited discussion about Olympic achievements versus UFC championships, Jackson shared an intriguing historical perspective on wrestling that many might not be aware of.
“The sport of wrestling has been considered the oldest sport in the world,” Cejudo explained. “If you look at the artifacts of it, back in the Greco-Roman days, I mean, it goes back to even further than that. So, it’s been a competition since who knows when.”
But what really set wrestling apart, according to Jackson, was its sacred history: “It’s the only sport that was mentioned in the Bible.”
When questioned about this biblical reference, Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling himself, quickly supported Jackson’s claim, referencing the story of Jacob wrestling in the Bible.
“Jacob wrestling. You’re right, Henry. You smart, Henry,” Jackson acknowledged.
The conversation touched on the story from Genesis where Jacob wrestles with what is described as either an angel or God himself, resulting in Jacob receiving the name Israel, which Cejudo pointed out means “one who wrestles with God.”
This biblical connection highlights wrestling’s deep cultural and historical roots that predate most organized sports. While MMA has gained tremendous popularity in recent decades, wrestling’s legacy spans millennia, giving it a unique place in human history.
Jackson and Cejudo, both accomplished combat sports athletes with backgrounds in wrestling, share an appreciation for the sport’s foundational role in their careers. Wrestling techniques remain fundamental to MMA success, as demonstrated by many champions including Cejudo, who leveraged his Olympic-level wrestling skills to become a two-division UFC champion.
For Jackson, this biblical connection seems to underscore wrestling’s legitimacy and importance as perhaps the most fundamental combat sport in human history—one so significant it earned mention in sacred texts.
Jackson’s afinity to the bible has also led him to Flat Earth belief so it’s not all perfect.
