They don't call him Rampage because of his careful approach to life.

Yet the sometimes self-destructive dynamo also known as Quinton Jackson insists he's finally taking himself and his sport more seriously as he heads to a crossroads in his mixed martial arts career.

In preparation for Saturday's rematch with Wanderlei Silva at UFC 92 in Las Vegas, Jackson claims he transformed his mind and his body, determined to take full advantage of a career that seemed to be slipping away earlier this year. In changing his diet and moving overseas for a distraction-free training camp, he seemed determined to bounce back from the loss of his light heavyweight title and two subsequent stints in police custody during the past six months alone.

"My last fight was probably the best thing that happened to me," said Jackson, who lost his belt to Forrest Griffin by unanimous decision in July. "I got rid of some baggage, and it actually made me hungrier. I started back and trained as hard as I've ever trained. My cardio is the best it's ever been. It really made me think about my career.

"I'm a professional athlete. I've got to start eating like one. I should have been doing this stuff years ago."