Jason Jackson enters 2024 with a clear perspective. With the PFL acquiring Bellator MMA in late 2023, he found himself in a favorable position, remaining with the now-defunct Bellator MMA to compete in the Bellator Champions Series in June of the previous year.
During the BCS, Jackson defeated Ray Cooper III by second-round knockout within just 23 seconds during the PFL vs. Bellator event in February 2024. He was later matched against Ramazan Kuramagomedov as the main event in Dublin, Ireland.
Although Jason Jackson aimed to defend his Bellator MMA Welterweight Championship, his efforts were not successful, prompting him to shift focus to the PFL SmartCage.
Reflecting on “The Ass-Kicking Machine,” Jason Jackson
Currently, Jackson is concentrating on the main event at PFL Nashville this Thursday night, which will be available internationally on DAZN and on ESPN+ in the U.S. Today, however, we reflect on the journey of “The Ass-Kicking Machine.”
Born on October 30, 1990, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Jackson moved to Florida at the age of 12, where he attended Miramar High School. His introduction to competitive sports occurred there through the school’s wrestling program. He later transferred to Miami Norland High School and, in 2010, at 19 years old, he began his MMA career on the amateur circuit, achieving a record of 4-1.
Jackson’s Career Begins with Challenges
In 2012, Jackson made his professional debut in Fort Lauderdale under the Fight Time promotion, securing a victory in just 55 seconds against Jerome Buchanan. However, his second professional fight ended in a loss to Colby Covington by unanimous decision. Following a 4-2 record, he was cast in the 2015 season of The Ultimate Fighter, winning his first bout but losing to Mike Graves by submission.
Resilience Leads to Championship Titles
Undeterred by setbacks, Jackson won the welterweight title from the now-defunct Victory FC in February 2016 and Titan FC in September 2016 via first-round knockout, which led to a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017. That same year, he suffered an ankle injury which sidelined him for over a year, but returned to notch a win in August 2018 before fighting successfully twice in the LFA.
Climbing the Ranks in Bellator MMA
Jackson compiled an 8-2 record under the Bellator MMA banner, including a seven-fight win streak, ultimately earning the Bellator MMA Welterweight Championship at the final Bellator event on Showtime in November 2023. He claimed the title with a third-round knockout against Yaroslav Amosov. After defeating Ray Cooper III in February 2024, he then lost to Kuramagomedov last summer.
Upcoming Semifinal Matchup
After the PFL World Tournament brackets were announced, Jackson was set to face Andrey Koreshkov in the tournament’s opening night, where he secured his 19th professional victory by achieving a first-round submission via rear-naked choke. This victory confirmed his next opponent for the semifinals, Thad Jean, who has a 10-fight record. Jackson, approaching his 25th professional bout, is keen to reach the finals in August. Tune in Thursday night to witness the action!
