‘Rampage Jackson can still get after it’… Insider details UFC legend’s sparring sessions for Rashad Evans fight

Shawne Merriman has been impressed with how Rampage Jackson has looked in sparring

Shawne Merriman isn’t just an NFL legend, but a respected combat sports promoter, with his network, Lights Out Sports TV, teaming up with Signature Punch Promotions, ICS (Influencer Crossover Series), to stage the significant match-up between Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Rashad Evans.

The former linebacker, who carved out a reputation for his awe-inspiring power and unrelenting will to win, can’t wait for the showdown between two combat sports icons.

Utilizing his promotional prowess, Merriman explained why Rampage vs Evans is the combat sports equivalent of Khalil Mack vs Micah Parsons.

To put it simply, the football superstar can’t wait for the fight, especially because he’s trained with Rampage and has seen just how ferocious the fan favorite is looking.

In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Merriman explained: “It’s funny, because I know both of these guys well. They didn’t even know it was going to be on my platform, Lights Out Sports TV. So, when they found out, everybody was extremely excited.

“These guys are still in shape. I actually trained with Rampage, several months ago in Long Beach, with Antonio McKee, in his gym down there.

“I know that Rampage can still get after it, because he was sparring next to me. So, I know what he looks like now.

“Rashad has always kept his body in shape. He’s still in shape. I’ve never seen him in the ten years I’ve known him, let himself go.

“It’s gonna be tough. It’s hard for me to pick, because I know both of the guys. But I know that, when they talked about doing this, they wanted to give the people a show. They had a podcast together, they said, ‘Hey, man, let’s put on a show together’. I think they’re going to do just that.”

Shawne Merriman relives moment he thought he was going to have to fight Randy Couture

Having grown up boxing, Merriman jumped at the opportunity to train in MMA, with Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, offering him a chance to do some work with Randy Couture.

At the time, ‘The Natural’ was still UFC champion, and considered to be one of the most dangerous human beings walking the face of the Earth.

Therefore, it’s more than understandable that the Chargers great wasn’t so keen to take him on.

Now, Merriman has opened up about the moment he thought he was going to have to fight Couture.