Who is Raja Jackson? Understanding the Rising MMA Fighter and Recent Controversy

The Incident at KnokX Pro Wrestling

On August 23, 2025, during a live-streamed KnokX Pro Wrestling event in Sun Valley, Los Angeles, Raja Jackson entered the ring in what was initially believed to be part of a scripted performance.

The match featured Stuart Smith, better known in the wrestling community as “Syko Stu.” Smith, a military veteran who uses wrestling as a coping outlet for post-traumatic stress disorder, was performing when the situation spiraled out of control.

What began as a supposed “work” (scripted act) escalated into a real-life violent assault. Raja was seen lifting Syko Stu and slamming him to the ground, then delivering multiple strikes to his head even after Stu appeared motionless. The confrontation ended only when others intervened.

What Triggered the Altercation?

Footage from earlier in the event suggested prior tension. Syko Stu was allegedly seen throwing a canned drink at Raja’s head backstage.

According to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, his son was told he could “get payback” during the match—leading Raja to believe it was part of the performance. However, as Rampage later admitted, the moment “spiraled out of control,” blurring the line between scripted entertainment and actual violence.

Rampage Jackson’s Response

Following the backlash, Rampage addressed the incident both on livestream and social media:

• He confirmed Raja was unexpectedly struck backstage before the match.

• He said Raja was misled into thinking retaliation was scripted.

• He acknowledged the incident went far beyond entertainment.

• He emphasized that Raja is an MMA fighter, not a trained pro wrestler, and should not have been put in that position.

Rampage expressed regret for the situation and concern for both his son and Stuart Smith.

Aftermath and Reactions

The fallout has been swift:

• Stuart Smith was hospitalized with serious injuries but later reported stable.

• KnokX Pro Wrestling condemned the actions, calling them “reprehensible and irresponsible.”

• Raja Jackson’s Kick streaming account was suspended.

• Fans and industry figures across wrestling and MMA voiced mixed opinions, with some defending Raja as provoked and others condemning the excessive violence.

• The incident is currently under investigation.

Summary of Key Facts

Aspect	Details
Full Name	Raja Jackson
Age (2025)	25 years
Profession	Professional MMA Fighter
Relation	Son of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (Former UFC Champion)
Event Date	August 23, 2025
Location	KnokX Pro Wrestling, Sun Valley, Los Angeles
Incident	Violent unscripted attack on Stuart Smith (Syko Stu)
Trigger	Alleged canned drink thrown backstage
Outcome	Wrestler hospitalized; widespread backlash and investigation
Father’s View	Misunderstanding; scripted retaliation gone wrong
Account Status	Raja’s Kick streaming profile suspended

Broader Implications

This incident raises important debates:

• Sports Violence vs. Entertainment: Where is the line between staged wrestling “works” and genuine assaults?

• Athlete Responsibility: Should combat-sport professionals adjust their behavior when crossing into entertainment platforms?

• Event Safety Protocols: Did KnokX fail to prevent or control the escalation?

For Raja, the event has become a career-defining controversy. While he remains a promising MMA fighter, his reputation now faces a critical test.

Final Thoughts

At only 25, Raja Jackson still has much of his career ahead. However, the KnokX incident marks a pivotal moment—affecting not only his public image but also the wider conversation about violence, responsibility, and athlete conduct in both MMA and professional wrestling.

As investigations continue, the combat sports community—and fans of the Jackson legacy—will be watching closely to see what this means for Raja’s future.