Kevin Holland vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson: Boldness or Disrespect?

Kevin Holland

Kevin Holland vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson: Boldness or Disrespect?

Last month, MMA fans witnessed a clash of generations that sparked widespread debate. UFC veteran Quinton "Rampage" Jackson hosted welterweight fighter Kevin Holland on his Jaxxon Podcast, ostensibly to promote Holland’s UFC 311 bout against Reinier de Ridder. What started as a routine promotional appearance quickly escalated into a verbal standoff, culminating in sharp words from Holland and a restrained but firm response from Rampage. The exchange has since divided the MMA community, with Joe Rogan stepping into the fray to issue a warning to the younger fighter.

But how did this unexpected feud unfold, and what does it say about respect—or the lack thereof—in MMA? Let’s unpack the saga.

The Origin of the Rift

The tension between Rampage and Holland can be traced back to a controversial joke Rampage made on social media last year. During Michael "Venom" Page’s UFC debut against Holland at UFC 299, the two fighters briefly linked hands during the bout—a moment Jackson humorously likened to "two women scissoring." While Rampage likely intended the comment as lighthearted banter, Holland clearly didn’t see the humor.

Fast forward almost a year, and Holland used his appearance on Rampage’s podcast as a platform to air his grievances. What began as a discussion about his upcoming fight against De Ridder veered into an unexpected challenge. Holland dismissed the veteran’s warnings with a defiant, "I don’t give a f–k about the fight on Saturday," prompting Rampage to calmly respond, "You don’t want to fight me." Holland’s boldness was evident, but so was Rampage’s restraint.

Joe Rogan Enters the Conversation

The controversy didn’t end with the podcast. Weeks later, the incident resurfaced during episode #2266 of The Joe Rogan Experience. Stand-up comedian Brian Simpson brought up Holland’s comments, prompting Rogan to express his disappointment in the younger generation of fighters.

"You’re a fighter—you kind of gotta let it slide," Rogan said. "Rampage is a legend. There are a lot of guys where you just… you talk about them with respect." Rogan’s words highlighted an important point: the MMA community has long revered its pioneers, and disrespecting legends like Rampage Jackson is seen as crossing a line.

The MMA Community Reacts

Rogan wasn’t alone in criticizing Holland. Former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw suggested that Holland "needs to get slapped," while Michael Bisping reflected on his own experience as a brash younger fighter, admitting that maturity often tempers such behavior. Robert Whittaker chimed in, calling Holland "so average" and expressing frustration at his lack of growth as a fighter.

Even Rampage himself addressed the situation in a subsequent podcast episode, revealing that Holland’s demeanor during the interview was confrontational from the start. "He came in with bad energy," Rampage explained. "I tried to come in for the bro hug, and he pushed me away. I wasn’t mad at the kid… but you don’t tell another man, ‘Shut the f–k up,’ without violence being threatened." Despite the tension, Rampage emphasized that his jokes were never personal.

The Bigger Picture: Respect in MMA

The Rampage-Holland saga raises important questions about respect in MMA. While Holland’s boldness could be interpreted as confidence, many see it as a sign of arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge the achievements of those who paved the way. Fighters like Rampage Jackson, Randy Couture, and Chuck Liddell helped build the sport into the global phenomenon it is today. Disrespecting such figures isn’t just a slight against them; it’s a disservice to the sport’s history.

At the same time, it’s worth considering whether veterans like Rampage should be held to a different standard. Is it fair to criticize Holland for standing his ground, or does the younger generation have the right to challenge the old guard?

Joe Rogan’s Double Standard?

Interestingly, Joe Rogan himself has faced criticism for comments that some perceive as disrespectful. On his podcast, Rogan once remarked that fighters in organizations like Bellator and PFL are "wasting their careers" because they aren’t in the UFC. While the UFC is undeniably the pinnacle of MMA, this viewpoint disregards the accomplishments of fighters who have excelled outside the promotion. Legends like Wanderlei Silva, Chael Sonnen, and Quinton Jackson continued to thrive in organizations like Bellator, proving that greatness isn’t confined to one promotion.

FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down

The feud between Kevin Holland and Rampage Jackson serves as a microcosm of the generational divide in MMA. While boldness and confidence are essential traits for fighters, so is respect for those who came before. Whether Holland’s actions stem from youthful arrogance or genuine confidence, they’ve sparked an important conversation about the values that define the sport.

What do you think? Was Kevin Holland out of line, or is he simply unafraid to challenge the status quo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.