Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has stepped forward to defend Raja Jackson following the violent incident at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in Los Angeles.
Raja Jackson is the son of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. The controversy erupted on August 23, 2025, when Rajabrutally assaulted professional wrestler Stuart Smith during what was supposed to be an entertainment show. Video footage captured Jackson slamming Smith to the ground and delivering over 20 punches after Smith allegedly struck him with a beer can. Another wrestler, Douglas Malo, was also attacked when he attempted to intervene.
Smith was hospitalized with broken facial bones and lost teeth, though his brother Andrew reported via Facebook that “Stuart is conscious and does have some recollection of the events from the day of the attack. He’s currently resting and says, ‘Thank you for the love and support.'” The LAPD continues investigating Jackson for assault and battery, with no arrests reported yet.
Quinton Jackson apologized publicly, explaining he was “misled into thinking it was a real fight and so was Raja. He’s a pro MMA fighter and thought he was fighting, not doing a show.”
Controversial UFC star Strickland took to social media to advocate for Jackson’s case. “Jackson’s kid shouldn’t go to jail,” he wrote. “Prison should always be a last resort.”
The former champion’s perspective stems from his own brush with the criminal justice system at age 19, when he faced serious charges that could have derailed his life completely.
“I was arrested at 19 for two Felony A GBIs [Great Bodily Injuries],” Strickland revealed. “I would of spent 5 to 6 years in prison if the DA had its way. After 6 years in a cell coming out with nothing, being indoctrinated with gangs and violence, I guarantee I would of killed someone. There was one guy telling me about how he picked up a murder charge and I remembered being impressed by him. That would of been my future.”
Instead of lengthy incarceration, Strickland received a plea deal requiring 100 days of jail or work release, extensive anger management courses, and victim restitution. He credits this alternative approach with saving his life and preventing future tragedies.
“Bottom line is it’s not about the person in prison. Its about who they become when they’re out of prison, and I believe if I wasn’t offered that deal I would be dead today and more than likely would of resulted in someone else’s death as well,” he explained. “My two cents … rehabilitation over prison always.”
When questioned about justice for victims, Strickland acknowledged his own financial responsibilities. “In my case I was sued and had to pay victim restitution,” he noted.
The outspoken athlete argues that America’s correctional system fundamentally fails to address underlying issues. “The America prison system is broken,” he stated. “I would walked out with a swastika tattoo on me and been significantly worse off. Im telling you man America’s prison system is broken.”
Strickland’s advocacy reflects his belief that rehabilitation prevents future harm rather than simply punishing past actions. “What people don’t understand by not trying to rehabilitate these people you are making many more victims in the future,” he warned.
Growing up in an abusive household, Strickland found martial arts at 14 and eventually built a successful MMA career, going 17-6 in the UFC with notable victories over established competitors before capturing the middleweight title in 2023.
