'Rampage' Returns to Japan, Meets Bader at UFC 144

---

Quinton Jackson will return to the Land of the Rising Sun for at least one more go-around, as “Rampage” will square off with Ryan Bader at UFC 144.

UFC Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Fertitta revealed the matchup to ESPN.com on Thursday. The news contradicts a recent Jackson tweet, which stated that the former Pride Fighting Championships star might not fight on the card as he had hoped.

Headlined by a lightweight title fight pitting champion Frankie Edgar against top contender Ben Henderson, UFC 144 goes down Feb. 26 from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Also featuring a middleweight conflict between Yushin Okami and Tim Boetsch, the event marks the UFC's first trip to Japan since 2000.

A star of the defunct Pride organization, Jackson became a fan favorite in Japan for his explosive, attacking style and highlight-reel slams. Jackson's upcoming appearance at UFC 144 marks the light heavyweight's first fight in Japan since 2006, when he outpointed Dong Sik Yoon at Pride 31.

Recently, Jackson has won four of his last six since losing the UFC 205-pound title to Forrest Griffin in 2008. After earning back-to-back wins over Lyoto Machida and Matt Hamill, “Rampage” fell short in trying to recapture the belt from reigning champion Jon Jones, submitting to a “Bones” rear-naked choke in the fourth round of their UFC 135 headliner.

Bader rebounded with a bang after losing twice to kick off 2011, knocking out Jason Brilz just last week at UFC 139. The winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 8, “Darth” began his career a perfect 12-0 before being finished by Jones and former champion Tito Ortiz in February and July, respectively. Known for holding considerable power in his right hand, the former Arizona State University wrestling standout owns six of his 13 career wins by knockout.