Middleweight champion Sean Strickland has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Raja Jackson’s attack on Stuart Smith, better known as Syko Stu. But while many are saying Jackson should serve time, Strickland took a decidedly different stance: he thinks jail is a last resort and not merited in this case.
Raja Jackson Attacked Stuart Smith at KnokX Pro Wrestling Event
At last weekend’s KnokX Pro Wrestling Event in California, Raja Jackson—son of MMA superstar and actor Quinton “Rampage” Jackson—was called in to serve a small part in the final movement of Smith’s match. But instead of following the script, Jackson buried Smith in a succession of about 20 punches which left Smith’s “almost lifeless body lay[ing] unconscious on the canvas,” according to MMA Weekly. The incident came shortly after Smith had crushed a beer can over Jackson’s head, in a moment many fans thought was part of the event’s storyline.
Following the sickening incident, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, professional MMA fighters such as Ryan Garcia called for Jackson’s swift imprisonment.
I’ve seen pro wrestling thorough out my whole life and this is one of worst things I’ve ever seen. I hope Raja Jackson gets life in prison and my thoughts got to Syko Stu. https://t.co/sq6KanR3l3
— Nemesis (@SenpaiNemesis__) August 24, 2025
Sean Strickland Doesn’t Want Raja Jackson to Go to Jail
Posting to X on Monday, Aug. 25, Strickland went against the grain of public opinion and said he does not believe Jackson should serve jail time. “Jackson’s kid shouldn’t go to jail. Prison should always be a last resort,” Strickland said, revealing that his opinion comes from an educated standpoint. “I was arrested at 19 for two felony GBIs (Great Bodily Injury). I would have spent five to six years in prison if the DA had its way [sic].”
Strickland continued: “After six years in a cell coming out with nothing, being indoctrinated with gangs and violence, I guarantee I would have killed someone. There was one guy telling me about how he picked up a murder charge and I remembered being impressed by him. That would have been my future. Instead I plead [sic] and took 100 days jail or work release. A ton of anger management and a decent amount of victim restitution. After a miserable two years of court. Luckily a lawyer took my case for free because I didn’t have a dollar to my name.”
The MMA fighter concluded with a powerful message. “Bottom line is it’s not about the person in prison, it’s about who they become when they’re out of prison and I believe if I wasn’t offered that deal I would be dead today and more than likely would [have] resulted in someone else[‘s] death as well. My two cents: Rehabilitation over prison always.”
Jackson’s kid shouldn’t go to jail. Prison should always be a last resort.
I was arrested at 19 for two felony a GBIs. I would of spent 5 to 6 years in prison if the DA had its way.
After 6 years in a cell coming out with nothing, being indoctrinated with gangs and violence. I…
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) August 25, 2025
