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, 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.

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

Changing his diet from a steady stream of burgers and fries to a strict regimen of proteins and nutritional supplements was just the start. Jackson revamped his fight preparations with a trip to England, where he trained at Wolfslair Academy on a mission to improve both his endurance and his precision.

His confidence? The man who knocked out Chuck Liddell last year has never needed much help in that department.

“I’m still champion. I’m not going to let some judges tell me I lost a fight,” Jackson said, still disputing his loss to Griffin. “This time I trained like I’m a champion, and I’m acting like a champion. (Being) a champion isn’t only (about) the way you fight. If you’re a champion, you’re a champion inside the octagon and outside the octagon.”

Being across the Atlantic allowed Jackson to avoid any distractions from his most recent troubles, which began with his disputed loss to Griffin. Less than two weeks later, Jackson was arrested on a variety of charges after leading police on a chase and hitting several cars near his home in Southern California.

Jackson later spent several additional days in custody for mental evaluation, but was released in plenty of time to resume his career. The mishaps of the past few months changed his perspective on his career and his family — which includes four children who won’t get much attention from their father until after Christmas.

He doesn’t want to talk about the recent drama now, saying it didn’t affect his preparation for the loaded UFC 92 card that will be contested at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. His reunion with Silva provides all the conflict he needs in his life right now.

Jackson was a junior-college wrestler before picking up the sport and eventually moving to Japan to fight with the PRIDE organization. That’s where he lost two fights with Silva, the Brazilian star who excels in muay thai and jiujitsu — including an October 2004 loss that left Jackson unconscious and hanging on the ropes, bleeding from a broken nose.

“I knew that I would see Wanderlei again, especially since he signed with the UFC,” Jackson said. “I don’t see this as revenge. Revenge is a dangerous motive. I see this as my job. … This is my time to make it better. I’m a little more mature. I’m a little better with my skills. So what if he beat me back in the past? That’s what it was, the past. This is a whole new Rampage, a whole new beginning.”

With his wife and kids mostly staying away from him until after the holidays, Jackson spent part of Tuesday walking around Las Vegas, handing out tickets to UFC 92 to people who also had to work on Christmas. Though he’s all about business now, Jackson can’t resist having a little harmless fun.

“I want my belt back, and I’m going to get my belt back,” he said. “I’m going to do what I say I’m going to do.”