Sean Strickland insists that Raja Jackson ought not to serve any prison time for his brutal assault on Stuart Smith.
Jackson, the offspring of ex-UFC and PRIDE FC icon Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, invaded the ring during a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in Sun Valley over the weekend and viciously assaulted Smith, who is more widely known as Syko Stu in the ring.
A video that rapidly gained traction on social media shows Jackson diving into the ring, lifting Smith, and forcefully slamming him onto the mat before delivering 23 hard-hitting punches to the incapacitated performer.
Recent reports indicate that the Los Angeles Police Department is currently probing the incident, although no one has been arrested yet.
While many are advocating for Jackson to be charged with aggravated assault or even premeditated attempted murder, Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, argued that imposing harsh penalties on Jackson would not serve any purpose in the long run.
Jackson’s kid shouldn’t go to jail. Prison should always be a last resort.
I was arrested at 19 for two felony a GBIs. I would of spent 5 to 6 years in prison if the DA had its way.
After 6 years in a cell coming out with nothing, being indoctrinated with gangs and violence. I…
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) August 25, 2025
“Jackson’s kid ought to avoid incarceration. Prison must always be a last resort,” Strickland stated on X. “At 19, I was arrested for two felony a GBIs. Had the DA had its way, I might have faced 5 to 6 years behind bars.
“Spending 6 years in a cell left me with nothing, ingrained in gang culture and violence. I can assure you I would have ended up killing someone. There was someone in there sharing how he faced a murder charge, and I found myself impressed by his story. That could have easily been my fate.
“Rather, I took a plea deal for 100 days in jail or work release along with substantial anger management and victim restitution. After a grueling two-year court battle. Fortunately, a lawyer decided to represent me for free since I had no money. Ultimately, it’s not solely about the individual in prison, but the person they become upon release. I genuinely believe if I hadn’t had that opportunity, I would not be here today and would likely have contributed to someone else’s demise as well.
“My perspective…. Prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration.”
Smith faces a ‘challenging recovery’ following Raja Jackson’s assault
The latest update from Smith’s family has indicated that the pro wrestler is awake, but will endure a “‘challenging recovery ahead” after suffering “critical head injuries.”
The Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy, an affiliate school of WWE administered by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, condemned Jackson’s actions as “shocking” and “unacceptable” in a statement released on Sunday.
