Raja Jackson, the 25-year-old son of UFC legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was arrested Thursday on felony charges nearly a month after brutally attacking a professional wrestler during a live-streamed event. The younger Jackson is being held on $50,000 bond in Los Angeles County jail following the August incident that left veteran wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith hospitalized with serious injuries.
The attack occurred on August 23 at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event in Sun Valley, California. Video footage shows Raja Jackson entering the ring during Smith’s match, body-slamming the wrestler to the mat, and then delivering more than 20 punches to Smith’s head while he lay unconscious. Other wrestlers eventually intervened and pulled Jackson away from Smith, who was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries including a fractured maxilla bone and the loss of several teeth.
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Rampage Jackson said his son deserves jail time for the assault. “I think that he should do a little time, do a little community service, and go to anger management class, get some therapy,” the former UFC champion stated, as per TMZ. He added that while he supports his son facing consequences, he doesn’t believe Raja deserves years in prison but rather a brief jail stint to teach him a lesson about controlling his emotions.
What led to Raja Jackson’s arrest
The incident began earlier that day when Smith, believing Jackson was a fellow wrestler, struck him with a beer can during what appeared to be a planned confrontation for the show. Although the two seemed to reconcile afterward, Jackson was reportedly told he could get his “payback” in the ring as part of the wrestling storyline. However, what was supposed to be a scripted wrestling spot turned violent when Jackson delivered real punches instead of fake ones.
"I think that he should do a little time, do a little community service." @Rampage4Real believes his son needs jail time to reflect on his actions. pic.twitter.com/OHtpsWw2U4
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 3, 2025
Smith, a 39-year-old Army veteran who used wrestling to help manage his PTSD, spent several days in the hospital before being released to recover at home. His wife, Contessa Patterson, established a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $200,000 to help with medical expenses. The campaign received notable donations from wrestling personalities and even a $10,000 contribution from YouTuber MrBeast.
The case highlights ongoing issues with UFC fighters and legal troubles, though this incident occurred outside the octagon. Rampage Jackson has been critical of his son’s actions and revealed he hasn’t spoken to Raja since the incident. “He dishonored my name,” the elder Jackson said, explaining that he’s paying for his son’s legal fees but maintaining distance due to his disappointment. The former UFC champion also faced death threats following the incident and expressed concern for his other children’s safety.
The Los Angeles Police Department conducted a lengthy investigation before making the arrest. KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy condemned the attack in a statement, calling it “a selfish, irresponsible act of violence” and noting that nothing similar had occurred in their 17 years of operation. The incident was broadcast live on streaming platform Kick, which subsequently suspended Raja Jackson’s account for violating their community guidelines against excessive violence. Combat sports athletes facing legal issues is not uncommon, as seen with other high-profile UFC fighters making controversial headlines.
