Quinton Quits

Quinton Jackson has announced his retirement from pro fighting.

The fighter is currently one of the main coaches on the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter and was set to face-off against the opposing trainer, Rashad Evans, in what was expected to be a huge pay-per-view show in early 2010.

The reason behind Jackson's decision to quit seems to be centred on his decision to hold off from this fight in favour of a role in the new A-Team movie.

Jackson taking on the role of B.A. Baracus in a remake of the old TV series caused UFC owner, Dana White, to ridicule his employee in numerous interviews.

I feel it was unprofessional of White to be critical of someone wanting to broaden their horizons.

A fighting career is short-term in the grander scheme of things so Jackson looking at vertically integrating his name into another field for the long-term was not something that should have been frowned upon.

Hell - if this A-Team movie becomes a big hit, the UFC would have gained even more mainstream interest because that Jackson v Evans fight could have and would have brought in those who recognised one of the fighters as being one of the key stars in the film.

I wouldn't be surprised if Quinton Jackson ends up back in the octagon, however.

Both parties will realise the mistake they are making. Money can be made from Jackson's foray into another profession. I know Dana knows this.

I bet Jackson does, too.