Major update on UFC fighter's son after he brutally attacked wrestler in shocking footage
Raja Jackson, the son of UFC fighter Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, has been arrested after he 'attacked' a wrestler at an event in August.
Jackson, 25, received backlash on social media after footage from a Knokx Pro Wrestling event live-streamed on Kick showed him punching Syko Stu, real name Stuart Smith, in the head multiple times.
Disturbing footage revealed the moment he stormed the ring at Knokx Pro Wrestling's show in Los Angeles, California, following an earlier altercation outside.
Syko Stu is said to have thrown a can at Jackson's head with the intention of setting up a storyline for a fight, before realising the 25-year-old wasn't in the wrestling business and apologising profusely.
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Despite the pair appearing to have made up, Jackson announced on livestream that he was 'really going to hit him', before jumping in the ring and slamming Syko Stu off the mat and hitting him more than 20 times.
Following the incident, a statement was shared on Stu's social media page explaining that 'Stuart has been released from the hospital and is now home resting'.
"He sustained a serious head injury and was unconscious upon arrival at the ER," it read. "His injuries include trauma to both the upper and lower jaws, a laceration to his upper lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of several teeth.
"He has a long road of recovery ahead, but he remains in good spirits despite everything he has been through."
The statement, signed off by Smith and his wife Contessa Patterson, added that they 'are deeply grateful for all the love and support we’ve received during this time'.
"Thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way—whether through monetary donations, food, flowers, or gifts. Your kindness means more than words can express," they continued. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
According to TMZ, Jackson was taken into custody on Thursday (September 18), with the Los Angeles Police Department also confirming this, Talk Sport reports.
He is reportedly being held on a bond of $50,000.
Speaking about his son, Rampage said earlier this month: "I think that he should do a little time, do a little community service, go to anger management class and therapy.
"It wasn't attempted murder. He wasn't trying to kill that guy. That's my son. I know my son. ... Raja probably didn't even know how bad he hurt that guy."
Following the incident, promotion company KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, which organised the event in Los Angeles, shared a statement.
A representative of the company wrote: “First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr. Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well being.
"What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith.
“This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred. In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologise to our patrons and fans.”
Lucy Devine