Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson (Pictures) was hospitalized Wednesday for mental evaluation less than 24 hours following his arrest on hit-and-run, reckless driving, and felony evading charges after a high-speed pursuit with officers through the California suburbs from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach.

Jackson had been released Tuesday evening from the Costa Mesa jail after posting the 25,000 dollar bail. He was detained by Irvine authorities at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and was directly transported to an undisclosed area hospital for observation.

“A couple of friends flagged down officers in front of the Jackson home,” said Lt. Rick Handfield, of the Irvine police dept. “An acquaintance asked the officer to help because they felt Mr. Jackson might be a threat to himself or others.”

Handfield said the 30-year old fighter spoke with an officer outside his Irvine residence and was cooperative with their requests. Handfield would not disclose any further description of Jackson’s state.

A friend close to Jackson said the fighter had slept and ate little in the last few days.

It is believed that Jackson is being held for 72-hour observation under standard protocol for “5150” detainees, which is law enforcement vernacular for a “mentally unstable” individual. During the three-day period, the patient is not able to check himself out of medical custody while an evaluation is made. Medical officials could extend that period if they deem the patient is mentally unfit.

The light heavyweight kingpin known for his dynamic slams and power punches relinquished his crown over a week ago at UFC 86 “Jackson vs. Griffin” on July 5 in Las Vegas. A heavy favorite in the championship bout, Jackson (27-8) sustained a leg injury in an earlier round, but continued to stand and trade with challenger Forrest Griffin (Pictures). Griffin, a rival coach to Jackson on Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter 7” this past spring, was awarded the unanimous decision and the title after five rounds.

One of the UFC’s most colorful personalities, Jackson had been tapped in March for a Nike commercial that also included NBA standout LeBron James, as well as other standout athletes.

According to a Costa Mesa police dept. press release Tuesday, Jackson was observed weaving his Ford pick-up truck in and out of traffic on a flat front tire while talking on his cell phone. When an officer on motorcycle attempted to pull Jackson over, the fighter continued driving, barreling through red lights and onto sidewalks on multiple occasions, “causing pedestrians to flee in terror.” Jackson collided with one vehicle during the pursuit and was later linked to two more collisions on the southbound 55 Freeway prior to the chase.

Jackson eventually gave himself up to police, who had their weapons drawn, outside a friend's home in Newport Beach.

Though authorities had originally stated that no one had been injured, the OC Register reported that a pregnant Huntington Beach woman was hospitalized after her car was sideswiped on the freeway.

Multiple attempts to reach Jackson’s manager, Juanito Ibarra, have been unsuccessful.