In a surprising and brutally honest moment, former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has admitted to cheating during his MMA career — and it’s sparked a heated debate across the fight world. Known for his brutal slams, knockout power, and wild personality, Rampage’s recent comments reveal the darker side of professional fighting that fans don’t always see.

His confession? Cheating happens more than people think — and fighters get away with it.

 Rampage Tells All

During a podcast appearance earlier this week, Rampage Jackson didn’t hold back.

“Yeah, I cheated. I’m not proud of it, but it’s the truth. Elbowed a guy in the back of the head, grabbed the fence, even held shorts now and then. You do what you can get away with.”

Rampage clarified that he never used performance-enhancing drugs, but admitted to using “in-fight tactics” that are technically illegal — if the ref doesn’t catch them.

“If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying,” he said with a laugh, echoing a phrase that has circulated in combat sports for decades.

 How Fighters “Cheat” in MMA (And Often Get Away With It)

Cheating in MMA isn’t always about steroids. Sometimes it’s the subtle, hard-to-catch fouls that fighters use to gain a slight edge — especially in close fights. Here are some of the most common “hidden cheats” Rampage and others have referenced:

Grabbing the fence to prevent takedowns

Holding the opponent’s gloves or shorts during clinches

12–6 elbows disguised as legal strikes

Headbutts in the clinch that are hard to notice

Cage walking illegally to stand up

Eye pokes or groin shots, followed by fake apologies

While referees try to catch everything, the fast pace and intensity of a fight make it nearly impossible to stop every foul — especially if it’s subtle and intentional.

Reaction From the MMA World

Rampage’s confession sparked mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated the honesty. Others saw it as a sign of disrespect to the sport.

“At least he’s being real,” one fan commented on X.
“That’s not grit, it’s cowardice,” another replied.

Veteran fighters like Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen weighed in too, both admitting that cheating in small ways is often part of fight IQ.

“It’s the ref’s job to stop it. If he doesn’t, that’s on him,” said Sonnen.

The Ethical Line: Smart or Shameful?

This brings up a serious question: Is tactical cheating part of elite strategy, or is it a disgrace to the sport?

Some argue that “playing the system” is part of what separates champions from contenders. Others believe it undermines the integrity of MMA and sets a bad example for the next generation of fighters.

There’s also the psychological aspect — fouls can shift momentum, throw off an opponent, or earn crucial seconds to recover.

 Final Thoughts

Rampage Jackson’s admission might not be shocking to fighters, but for fans, it’s a reminder that MMA isn’t always clean-cut. In the chaos of a fight, some veterans are willing to blur the line between legal and illegal to win.

Whether you call it cheating or gamesmanship, one thing is clear:

In MMA, winning isn’t always about who’s better — sometimes, it’s about who’s bolder.