Raja Jackson, the 26-year-old son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has reached a plea agreement in his felony battery case. During a court appearance on Wednesday, Jackson entered a no-contest plea to one charge of battery causing serious bodily injury. He also admitted to two special allegations for inflicting great bodily injury and engaging in violent conduct.
The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in Sun Valley, California. Jackson, who has a 4-0 amateur MMA record, had a dispute in the parking lot earlier that evening with wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith. Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, reportedly struck Jackson with a beer can backstage as part of what he believed to be a staged segment. Following this, Jackson entered the ring during Smith’s match, performed a body slam that resulted in Smith hitting his head first, and then delivered over 20 punches to Smith’s face, many of which were administered after Smith lost consciousness. Other wrestlers intervened to pull Jackson off. The altercation was broadcast live on Kick, which subsequently banned Jackson’s account.
Raja Jackson Resolves Wrestler Assault Case with Plea Deal
Raja Jackson has effectively settled his criminal case without proceeding to a full trial. By accepting a plea deal and entering a no-contest plea to felony battery causing serious bodily injury, he has avoided the potential maximum sentence of seven years if convicted of the original charges. This plea agreement signifies the end of the dispute over guilt, with the late June hearing expected to finalize his punishment, provided the court approves the agreement.
Stuart Smith was hospitalized in the ICU with severe jaw trauma, a lacerated lip, a fractured maxilla, and lost teeth. He remained in critical condition for several days. He was discharged on August 31 and is now recovering at home. A GoFundMe campaign, supported by notable donors including Chris Jericho and MrBeast, raised over $222,000 to cover his medical expenses and lost income. A friend, Douglas Malo, indicated that Smith’s wrestling career is likely over, especially considering his age.
The police received a call reporting an attempted murder that night, but Jackson had already departed the scene. The LAPD conducted an investigation for several weeks, leading to Jackson’s arrest on September 18 on suspicion of felony battery. He was initially held on $50,000 bail. Formal charges were filed on October 8, including one count of felony battery with great bodily injury (carrying a potential sentence of up to four years) and one misdemeanor battery, along with a three-year enhancement for violent conduct, totaling a potential seven-year sentence. Jackson pleaded not guilty on October 10, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for November 24.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson addressed the situation shortly after. He stated he had cut contact with his son, called the incident a dishonor to his name, and attributed his son’s actions to a recent concussion affecting his judgment. In interviews, he suggested that jail time, community service, anger management, and therapy would be appropriate, but not a lengthy prison sentence. Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy condemned the event as selfish violence and severed ties with Jackson. Prominent wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer described it as the worst ring incident he had witnessed. A petition calling for Jackson’s arrest garnered over 5,000 signatures.
Under the terms of the plea deal, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office anticipates Jackson will receive a 90-day county jail sentence. He will also be required to pay $81,703.38 in restitution to Smith before his sentencing, and will be placed on two years of formal probation. Sentencing is scheduled for late June. Jackson must fulfill the financial obligation prior to sentencing. This agreement concludes the case that originated from a wrestling stunt gone awry and attracted attention from both the MMA and independent wrestling communities.