Jackson’s latest role: Proving he’s focused

"Rampage don't want to hear your questions about his dedication to fighting, sucka!"

It's not difficult to imagine B.A. Baracus, the role in "The A-Team" made famous by Mr. T and soon to be reprised by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the movie version, using the retort to combat all the inquiries into Jackson's state of mind as he prepares to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

It would have been a more descriptive answer than Jackson's standard this week: "Next question."

The former light heavyweight champion will return to the octagon tonight to face Rashad Evans in the main event of the sold-out UFC 114 card at the MGM Grand after an injury and filming of a TV show and the movie kept him out of action since March 2009.

Jackson mostly refused to answer questions relating to whether his outside interests have detracted from his desire to fight, but he finally relented somewhat after the issue was broached several times.

"I'm focusing on this fight. I'm very focused. I'm tired of people asking me how focused I am because I did a damn movie and because I had a layoff," he said. "I'm tired of those questions. Don't ask me weird questions like that. You guys should know better."

Jackson indicated the grueling 13-week training camp he endured should be enough of a sign that his focus is on his mixed martial arts career.

He said he looks at fighting as his job, just as he viewed his work on the movie set.

"I ain't never lied about why I do the things I do," he said. "I fight for money, and I work. It's my job, so I'm all about making the most I can make, saving up for my future. Whatever is bringing in the most cash, that's where I'll be at. That's real."

Evans is skeptical whether Jackson's heart is fully in the cage.

"Yeah, I question it, and I'm sure he questions it, too, if you listen to his comments. He's kind of gone back and forth on what he wants to do," Evans said. "Whenever you say something like, 'I'm just doing it for the money.' There's a lot of jobs you can do just for the money. If you don't love to fight, this is the hardest job you can have.

"When you're in a fight and you love to fight, you get hit hard, you dig down and move on. If you're just fighting for a paycheck, you get hit in the eye and say, 'Oh, that hurt. I'm done,' because there's nothing inside."

Fortunately for Jackson, he has one extra bit of inspiration.

"If I lose, my family makes fun of me real bad when I go back to Memphis, so that's a big motivation for me to win," he said.

Jackson teammate Michael Bisping also draws fuel from his family, which grew by one member when his son was born the day before he left his native England for Las Vegas for his UFC 114 fight against Dan Miller.

While it's a distraction to be away from his girlfriend and the newborn, as well as two older children, Bisping knows he'll have plenty of time for family when the fight is over. He also pointed out he is helping provide a better life for his children by making a lucrative living in the cage.

"It does suck," he said of being away. "When I'm training, I don't get to see them so much. But (after the fight), I'll have a good bit of downtime and spend some quality time. I'm not there with the baby now, but when I get home, I'm going to be around every day."

The main card, which also features Todd Duffee and Diego Sanchez in separate bouts, airs live on pay per view at 7 p.m.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira will face Jason Brilz, who replaced Forrest Griffin when the Las Vegan was forced to pull out of the fight because of a shoulder injury.

Two fights will appear live on Spike (Cable 29) at 6 p.m, including a welterweight matchup between Amir Sadollah and Dong Hyun Kim. Efrain Escudero meets Dan Lauzon in the other cable bout.

The first bell for the 11-fight card is at 4:25 p.m.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.