Rampage Jackson Recalls Seeking Help of Referee Herb Dean to Beat Chuck Liddell

Rampage Jackson reveals that Herb Dean had the perfect build and style to mimic Chuck Liddell before the UFC 71 fight.

Rampage Jackson Recalls Seeking Help of Referee Herb Dean to Beat Chuck Liddell

Rampage Jackson wanted to train with Herb Dean for the Chuck Liddell fight (via Bleacher Report, Bloody Elbow)

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In the world of mixed martial arts, fighters often seek out training partners who can emulate the styles of their most formidable opponents. This approach allows them to prepare for upcoming bouts by simulating the strategies they might face in the cage. Such was the case when former UFC champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson expressed interest in sparring with legendary referee Herb Dean.

Dean began his martial arts journey at a young age and fought in the amateur organization, the Gladiators Challenge. He trained in various disciplines, including kickboxing, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts. Dean’s professional MMA career spanned from 2001 to 2007, during which he compiled a record of 2 wins and 3 losses.

Despite his brief fighting career, Dean’s skills and physical attributes made a lasting impression on his peers. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 220 pounds, he possessed a build reminiscent of fighters like Chuck Liddell, known for their striking prowess and resilience. This similarity did not go unnoticed by Jackson, who sought out Dean as a sparring partner ahead of his fight against Liddell.

In MMA, it’s hard to find people to act like your opponent because I remember I wanted somebody that reminded me of Chuck Liddell, and the only person I could think of was Herb Dean, and Herb Dean was like, ‘Nah, I’ve got to stay neutral. I can’t come help you train for your fight. I trained with Herb Dean years ago, and I’ll tell you, listen when I say this, Herb Dean moves like Chuck Liddell. I sparred him years ago.

Rampage Jackson via JAXXON podcast

By engaging with someone who mirrored Liddell’s attributes, Jackson aimed to refine his techniques and prepare more effectively for their light heavyweight bout at UFC 71 back in 2007. He was hosting former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw on the JAXXON podcast. However, Dillashaw was visibly shocked after learning about Dean’s MMA career.

While Dean has been one of the most popular referees, he has also faced increasing scrutiny for his officiating decisions in recent bouts. Dean was criticized for repeatedly urging Merab Dvalishvili to “work” during dominant grappling exchanges against Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. In response to the criticism, Dean has stated that his focus is on ensuring fighters’ safety and maintaining the integrity of the sport.

However, despite no help from Dean, Jackson went on to dominate Chuck Liddell at UFC 71. In summary, the interaction between Rampage Jackson and Herb Dean serves as a testament to the interconnected nature of the MMA community. It illustrates how fighters value the skills and attributes of their peers, sometimes seeking them out for training purposes to better prepare for their own challenges.

Rampage Jackson reveals massive paycheck for Chuck Liddell fight at UFC 71

There have been many rivalries in UFC, but none like the one between Chuck Liddell and Rampage Jackson. Liddell was largely credited for the rise of the UFC during the early 2000s due to his knockout power, which earned him the nickname ‘Iceman’. Jackson and Liddell first faced off at PRIDE Final Conflict 2003, which ended in Jackson knocking out ‘Iceman’ in the second round.

Chuck Liddell vs Rampage Jackson at UFC 71
Chuck Liddell vs Rampage Jackson at UFC 71 (via UFC)

However, their second fight took place at UFC 71 in 2007, from which Jackson reportedly earned $7 million. This sum included his contracted payout as well as points from pay-per-view revenue, which significantly boosted his total earnings. The financial details of Jackson’s payout were influenced by UFC’s acquisition of the World Fighting Alliance (WFA), the promotion to which he was originally contracted.

The 2007 matchup between Rampage Jackson and Chuck Liddell is remembered not only for its intensity inside the octagon but also for the significant financial implications for both fighters. Jackson’s substantial earnings underscore how high-profile bouts, coupled with innovative contractual arrangements, can create landmark moments in MMA history.

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