Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s attempt at a lighthearted livestream stunt went sideways in Rome this week when he started handing out prop money to passersby.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion was streaming from a busy tourist area when he pulled out a stack of what he described as fake bills and began distributing them. Within seconds, street vendors and hustlers working the area converged on him.
Multiple people reached out simultaneously for the cash. Some circled back trying to grab more than one bill. The crowd grew thick enough that Jackson and his companions had to move away to create space.
The clip ends without any visible violence or police intervention. Jackson stopped the giveaway and left the immediate area.
Rome’s tourist zones are notorious for aggressive street hustling. Areas around the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps see constant activity from vendors pushing friendship bracelets, selfie props, and other schemes. Travel advisories routinely warn visitors about scams in these locations.
The legality of Jackson’s stunt remains unclear. EU regulations and Italian law prohibit distributing counterfeit currency, but novelty notes are typically allowed if they’re clearly marked as fake and can’t be mistaken for legal tender. The key question is how realistic Jackson’s prop money looked.
What happens when stunts go public
Jackson carved out a second career as a media personality and online creator after retiring from mixed martial arts. He captured the UFC light heavyweight title in 2007 and competed at the highest level through the 2000s and 2010s.
Public giveaways on livestreams often generate viral moments, but they also carry risks. Unexpected crowds can create safety issues. Distributing items that blur legal lines—even as a joke—can prompt questions from authorities.
No official statement has emerged from Jackson or Italian police about what happened.
