Quinton Jackson fights Ryan Bader on Feb. 26, 2012, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. At the UFC 144 pre-fight press conference, Rampage talked about how he prefers fighting in Japan over fighting in America.
“Back when I was fighting here, I had so much energy. I just wanted to put on a good show for the fans because all the energy they give.
“In America, you’re under so much pressure to win at all costs because the fans talk shit to you if you lose even if it’s a good, exciting fight. In Japan, it’s just a different energy.
“Who knows? Maybe I’ll take more chances and not care because it’s all about the crowd. I react to the crowd. I don’t care about the people watching on TV.”
“In Japan, I used to slam a lot and put on more of a show because the energy from the fans gave me power and I don’t feel the same energy in the US. So, I can’t honestly say I improved or evolved in a good way since leaving Japan. I’m all about putting on an exciting fight in Japan. One thing I love about Japanese fans and why I love them the most is that they don’t care if you win or lose. All they care is if you have samurai spirit, that you put on a good fight.
“That’s why Japanese fans are my favorite. And American fans are jealous that I say that all the time.”
