On this day in 2004, an MMA legend delivered one of the most devastating knockouts ever seen.
It`s easy to see why Quinton `Rampage` Jackson was one of the sport`s biggest stars during his prime.
His personality certainly contributed, but it was his sheer power that propelled him to the top in both PRIDE and the UFC.
While Jackson has a favorite UFC knockout, one particular highlight from his time in Japan clearly stands out.
After Jackson devastatingly slammed Masaaki Satake, he followed up two years later with the most iconic finish of his career, delivering an even more brutal slam.
Joe Rogan Discusses the Impact of Quinton `Rampage` Jackson`s Slam on Ricardo Arona
At PRIDE Critical Countdown on this date in 2004, Quinton `Rampage` Jackson aimed for a rematch against his fierce rival, Wanderlei Silva.
He was matched against submission expert Ricardo Arona, who had started strong in the Japanese promotion with three consecutive wins over Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, and Murilo Rua.
After the 7-minute mark, Arona attempted a triangle choke from his back, which seemed to be tightening around `Rampage`.
Jackson`s response to the submission threat was to use his immense strength to lift his opponent high into the air and then forcefully drive him back down onto the canvas.
Arona was instantly knocked unconscious after his head hit the canvas. Joe Rogan later discussed this finish during an episode of the JRE MMA Show with Jackson.
The UFC commentator stated that this particular slam might be the hardest impact anyone has ever suffered in mixed martial arts.
“You got your whole body like this and he`s over the top of your head. That`s so much force. That may be the hardest anybody`s ever been hit in this sport because look at the amount of travel he does. Bro, you got him like 12 feet in the air, look at that. He goes straight, and you were powerful as f— back then.”
Joe Rogan Claims Ricardo Arona Was Changed Permanently by the Slam
On another occasion, during an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan revisited the knockout, again emphasizing the significant damage Ricardo Arona sustained.
“I mean that dude definitely could have died. He probably got the worst trauma, the worst brain trauma.”
Rogan went on to suggest the knockout permanently altered Arona`s career path, although the Brazilian did recover, winning four consecutive fights, including victories over Kazushi Sakuraba and Wanderlei Silva, to reach the finals of the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix.
“That was the worst and this guy was never the same again,” Rogan reflected. “Ricardo Arona was never the same again.”
