Damon Jackson


Damon Jackson is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of the Legacy Fighting Alliance, where he is the current interim champion. A professional since 2012, Jackson competed for the UFC, Bellator MMA, King of the Cage, and Legacy FC, where he was also the Featherweight Champion.

Background

Born in Oklahoma, Jackson began wrestling from a young age and was talented. In high school, Jackson also competed in baseball and ran cross-country and track. Jackson was a state runner-up before continuing his career at Missouri Valley College where he was an All-American and had a fifth-place finish at the national tournament in 2012. Shortly after, Jackson began pursuing mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Jackson held an amateur MMA record of 6-1 before making his professional debut September 2012, winning via TKO in the first round. He would go on to win his next two bouts, both via submission.

Bellator MMA

Jackson debuted for Bellator on January 24, 2013 at Bellator 86 against Zac Church. Jackson won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.
On June 19, 2013, Jackson defeated Keith Miner via TKO due to strikes in the first round at Bellator 96, improving his record to 6–0.

Legacy Fighting Championship

In October 2013, Jackson fought and defeated Javier Obregon by submission in the second round at Legacy FC 24.
Jackson would win his next bout via rear-naked choke submission at Legacy FC 28 against Hunter Tucker on February 21, 2014.
Jackson then faced WEC and UFC veteran Leonard Garcia for the Legacy FC featherweight championship at Legacy FC 33 on July 18, 2014. Jackson won the fight via submission in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Stepping in as a late replacement for an injured Justin Edwards, Jackson faced Yancy Medeiros at UFC 177 on August 30, 2014. Jackson lost the fight via submission in the second round, suffering his first loss of his career.
Jackson faced Rony Jason on May 30, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 67. He lost the fight via triangle choke submission in the first round. On June 18, 2015, it was announced that Jason tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, which is a banned diuretic, therefore his submission victory against Jackson was overturned and he received a nine-month suspension.
Jackson faced Levan Makashvili on January 30, 2016 at UFC on Fox 18. The bout was ruled a majority draw after Makashvili was deducted one point in the third round due to an illegal knee and eye poke.

Personal life

Jackson is married and has four daughters.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts