Jason Jackson (born October 30, 1990) is a Jamaican mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional since 2012, Jackson has competed in Titan FC, and, Legacy Fighting Alliance. He also appeared on the UFC's reality television series The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians.
As of October 2022 he is #10 in Fight Matrix's welterweight rankings. As of July 30, 2023, he is #2 in the Bellator Welterweight Rankings.
Background
Jackson was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica on October 30, 1990. At the age of 12 he moved to South Florida, graduating from Miramar High School, where he competed on the school’s wrestling team. Growing up he was a fan of professional wrestling and the WWE. He began training for mixed martial arts at the age of 19 with The Blackzilians.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Jackson made his professional debut in 2012, compiling a record of 5–2 in regional promotions, where he competed against future UFC fighters, Colby Covington, and Michael Johnson.
The Ultimate Fighter
In February 2015, it was announced Jackson would be a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians.
Jackson's first fight on TUF was against Marcelo Alfaya, whom he defeated by majority decision.
In his second fight on the show he faced future Titan FC Welterweight Champion Michael Graves. Early in the first round Jackson connected with a groin kick that went unnoticed by the referee and almost finished Graves with punches. However Graves survived and submitted Jackson with a rear naked choke in round one, eliminating him from the tournament.
Titan Fighting Championships
Jackson made his Titan FC debut against Rodrigo Cavalheiro Correia on September 9, 2016, at Titan FC 41. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Jackson then competed in a title match against Titan FC Welterweight Champion and future UFC fighter, Dhiego Lima on December 2, 2016, at Titan FC 42. Jackson won the fight via technical knockout early in round one, claiming the Titan FC Welterweight Championship.
Jackson vacated his title after being invited to compete on Dana White's Contender Series. He faced Kyle Stewart, and lost the fight via TKO in round two after suffering an ankle injury that rendered him unable to continue. He was not awarded a UFC contract as a result.
Bellator MMA
Jackson made his Bellator MMA debut against Jordon Larson on August 17, 2018, at Bellator 204. He won the fight via TKO in round one.
After picking up two wins in the Legacy Fighting Alliance promotion, Jackson returned to Bellator, facing Ed Ruth on October 25, 2019, at Bellator 231. He lost the fight via controversial split decision. 4 out of 6 media outlets scored the fight for Jackson.
Jackson faced Kiichi Kunimoto on December 21, 2019, at Bellator 236. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Jackson then faced promotional newcomer Jordan Mein on July 24, 2020, at Bellator 242. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Jackson then faced former UFC Lightweight Champion and former Bellator Lightweight Championship contender, Benson Henderson on November 28, 2020, at Bellator 253. Jackson controlled a majority of the fight, winning via unanimous decision in an upset victory.
Jackson next faced Neiman Gracie on April 2, 2021, at Bellator 255. He won the close fight via unanimous decision.
Jackson faced Paul Daley on June 11, 2021, at Bellator 260. Jackson used his wrestling to dominate Daley, winning the fight via unanimous decision.
Jackson was scheduled to face former Bellator Welterweight Champion Douglas Lima on May 13, 2022, at Bellator London. However the fight was postponed to July 24, 2022, at Bellator 283 for undisclosed reasons. At the weigh-ins, Douglas Lima, came in at 172.8 lbs, 1.8 pounds heavy for his headlining welterweight bout. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Lima was fined a percentage of his individual purse, which went to Jackson. Jackson won the fight via unanimous decision.
Jackson is scheduled to fight for the Bellator Welterweight World Championship against reigning champion Yaroslav Amosov on November 17, 2023, at Bellator 301.
Personal life
Jackson is married to his wife Yanisuka. They have 2 children and 2 stepchildren.
Jackson is a fan of WWE, with his nickname "The Ass-Kicking Machine" being inspired from an angle between The Rock, Kane, and Hulk Hogan.