Raja Jackson, son of retired UFC champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, allegedly assaulted an independent wrestler on Saturday, Aug. 23. The incident was captured live on the streaming platform Kick.
The younger Jackson is an MMA fighter and on Saturday, was slated to fight Stuart "Syko Stu" Smith at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Event in Los Angeles. As the fight went off script, Jackson had to be restrained from repeatedly punching a motionless Smith, prompting a response from Kick and an apology from Jackson's father.
Here is what to know about the incident involving Raja Jackson at the wrestling event in L.A.
Raja Jackson incident, explained
During Saturday's event, Jackson picked Smith up above his head and slammed him on the canvas. Jackson proceeded to punch a motionless Smith multiple times in the head until he was pulled away and held back by a group of other wrestlers.
While the fight was planned, Jackson's punches were not, according to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com.
"Based on what I've heard, the spot with Raja Jackson at Knokx Pro Wrestling was planned,” Sapp said on X. “However, Raja Jackson knocked the person out — ring name Syko Stu -– and followed up with a lot of heavy punches to Syko Stu, which were not planned to do that kind of damage.
"Stu was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. We are working to find out more and have Stu in our thoughts."
At the beginning of the event, Smith appeared to slam a canned drink on Jackson's head at the beginning of the match. That is what reportedly led to Jackson's violent response.
Footage from the incident has been removed from multiple platforms due to their policies on violent videos. The response to the video prompted Jackson's father to post a statement and explanation to X.
I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler ( Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable. Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his “payback”in…
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) August 24, 2025
"I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler (Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable. Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his “payback” in the ring," the elder Jackson wrote.
"It was bad (judgment), and a work that went wrong. Raja is an MMA fighter, not a pro wrestler, and had no business involved in an event like this. I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL! He suffered a concussion from sparring only days ago and had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact. As a father, (I'm) deeply concerned with his health AND the (well-being) of Mr. Smith. That being said I’m very upset that any of this happened, but my main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery. I apologize on his behalf and to KICK for the situation."
Sunday morning, KnokX Pro Entertainment & Wrestling issued the following statement:
First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr. Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well being.
What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot, turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred.
In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologize to our patrons and fans.”
On Monday afternoon, Smith's brother posted on Facebook that Stuart is "conscious and does have some recollection of events from the day of the attack."
Stuart Smith's brother — the wrestler assaulted by Raja Jackson — said he's "conscious and does have some recollection of events from the day of the attack" as he continues to recover in the hospital.
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) August 25, 2025
TMZ previously reported LAPD is investigating but I've seen no charges yet. pic.twitter.com/gZB7cpHvyn
Tuesday night, Rampage Jackson addressed things during a stream, reiterating that he does not condone his son's actions, while adding that he hopes Smith will one day express forgiveness.
🚨 Rampage Jackson just went live to address the situation involving his son Raja:
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 27, 2025
“I don’t condone what my son did. I’m going to let justice play out… I just wish I could’ve been there. Hopefully one day I can meet Syko Stu and shake his hand. I hope he can forgive me, as a… pic.twitter.com/epvObpqf9y
Smith has been released from the hospital, his family revealed in a statement made on social media on Aug. 31. He still has a long road to recovery, per his family.
"He sustained a serious head injury and was unconscious upon arrival at the ER," the statement read. "His injuries include trauma to both the upper and lower jaws, a laceration to his upper lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of several teeth.
"We are deeply grateful for all the love and support we’ve received during this time. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way—whether through monetary donations, food, flowers, or gifts. Your kindness means more than words can express."
Raja was arrested for the incident on Thursday, September 18, per TMZ. He faces at least one felony charge, according to TMZ, and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
This story will be updated.