UFC legend's son arrested for assault after savage wrestler beatdown went viral

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 20/09/2025

- 12:18

A video of Raja Jackson delivering more than 20 blows to Stuart Smith's head whilst the wrestler lay motionless went viral

Raja Jackson, whose father is former UFC champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, faces felony battery charges following his arrest in Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old was detained at a Van Nuys police station on Thursday morning, where he remains in custody.


Authorities set his bail at $50,000 after the alleged assault on professional wrestler Stuart Smith last month.

The incident occurred during a livestreamed wrestling event at KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy in California.

Police launched an investigation into the attack, which was broadcast online and subsequently shared widely across social media platforms. The charges stem from what witnesses described as an unprovoked assault during a wrestling match.

Raja JacksonRaja Jackson slammed the wrestler into the mat | Kick

The violent incident unfolded when Jackson vaulted from his front-row seat into the wrestling ring.

He hoisted Smith, who performs as "Syko Stu", above his head before driving him forcefully onto the canvas.

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Jackson then delivered more than 20 blows to Smith's head whilst the wrestler lay motionless on the mat. The assault continued until approximately six individuals rushed to intervene, prompting Jackson to flee the venue.

The academy later revealed that Jackson had deviated from the agreed choreography to carry out the attack. The entire assault was captured on the venue's livestream, allowing thousands to witness the shocking violence in real time.

Raja JacksonRaja Jackson was captured attacking the wrestler | Kick

Medical personnel transported Smith to hospital where he regained consciousness and retained partial memory of the assault, his brother Andrew confirmed on social media.

The wrestler suffered extensive facial trauma, including fractures to his maxilla bone, damage to both jaws, and the loss of multiple teeth.

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He also sustained a severe head injury and a laceration to his upper lip, according to details shared on his Instagram account. Smith was eventually discharged to continue his recovery at home.

KnokX Pro Entertainment & Academy issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the violence.

"What was supposed to be a planned and agreed-upon wrestling spot turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith," the organisation declared.

Rampage JacksonRampage Jackson was a former UFC champion | Getty

The academy emphasised that such violence was unprecedented in their 17-year history, describing the incident as "egregious" and "reprehensible" whilst apologising to their audience and supporters.

Rampage Jackson claimed the confrontation originated from an earlier altercation where Smith struck his son on the head before the scheduled match.

The former light heavyweight champion stated Raja was permitted to seek "payback" during the performance, though he believed it would remain within theatrical boundaries.

"I thought it was a part of the show. It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong," the elder Jackson wrote, noting his son had recently sustained a concussion during sparring sessions.

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