Court Update: Raja Jackson Case Moves Forward With Plea Deal and June Sentencing Date
Raja Jackson, son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, reached a plea deal in his felony battery case this week. The 26-year-old entered a no-contest plea to one count of battery causing serious bodily injury during a court hearing on Wednesday. He also accepted two special allegations for inflicting great bodily injury and violent conduct.
The case traces back to August 23, 2025, at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in Sun Valley, California. Jackson, who holds a 4-0 amateur MMA record, had a parking lot run-in with wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith earlier that night. Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, hit Jackson with a beer can backstage as part of what he thought was a scripted angle. They shook hands after, but Jackson entered the ring during Smith’s match, body-slammed him head-first, and landed over 20 punches to his face many after Smith went unconscious. Other wrestlers pulled Jackson off; the whole thing streamed live on Kick, which later banned his account.
Raja Jackson Cuts Plea Deal in High-Profile Wrestler Assault Case
Raja Jackson has resolved the criminal case without going to trial, at least in practical terms. By taking a plea deal and entering a no-contest plea to felony battery causing serious bodily injury, he avoided the risk of fighting the full case on the original terms, which had exposed him to a possible sentence of up to seven years if convicted. Raja Jackson’s plea deal means the fight over guilt is effectively over, and the late June hearing is expected to lock in the punishment unless the court rejects the agreement.
Smith landed in the hospital ICU with jaw trauma top and bottom, a cut lip, maxilla fracture, and lost teeth. He stayed critical for days, got discharged August 31, and now recovers at home. A GoFundMe hit over $222,000 from donors like Chris Jericho ($2,500) and MrBeast ($10,000) for his medical bills and lost wages. Friend Douglas Malo said Smith’s wrestling days look finished; he wasn’t young to start with.
Police got a call about attempted murder that night, but Jackson had left. LAPD investigated for weeks. They arrested him September 18 on felony suspicion, held him on $50,000 bail. October 8 brought formal charges: one felony battery with great bodily injury (up to 4 years) and one misdemeanor battery, plus a 3-year enhancement, total possible 7 years. Jackson pleaded not guilty October 10; preliminary hearing set for November 24.
Rampage Jackson spoke out soon after. He cut contact, called it dishonor to his name, blamed a recent concussion on his son’s judgment. In interviews, he said jail time, community service, anger management, and therapy fit the bill, no full prison term. Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy labeled it selfish violence and cut ties. Dave Meltzer called it the worst ring incident he’d seen. A petition for arrest topped 5,000 signatures.
Under the deal, a Los Angeles County DA spokesperson expects 90 days county jail, $81,703.38 restitution to Smith, due before sentencing, and two years formal probation. Sentencing comes late June. Jackson must pay up first. The agreement wraps the case that started as a wrestling spot gone wrong and drew eyes from MMA and indie circuits alike.
