Jason Jackson joined Bellator 236 on short notice, and it paid off as he defeated UFC veteran Kiichi Kunimoto with ease.
Jason Jackson is looking to make his mark on the next level after success in top regional promotions LFA and Titan FC, holding titles in both. Jackson had a three-fight win streak snapped most recently in his return to Bellator against standout prospect Ed Ruth.
Kiichi Kunimoto is a Japanese welterweight who was 3-2 in the UFC from 2014-2017. Losses to Neil Magny and Zak Ottow gave him the boot from the promotion. He won a pair of fights in RIZIN before heading to Bellator, where he lost to Ed Ruth as well.
Jason Jackson threw a head kick right away and took the center of the cage. Kunimoto whipped a leg kick around, then was dropped clean by a right straight. Jackson couldn’t pursue the finish, and Kunimoto stood back up. A big elbow connected for Jackson then a jab for Kunimoto. The Japanese fighter shot in for a takedown, got it, then quickly took the back of his opponent. Kunimoto was going for the choke, but Jackson spun out and took top position. Kunimoto grabbed an arm for a kimura that was deep, and Jackson was forced to roll three times to escape the armlock. He ended up in top position and stood up. The fighters clinched up after some jabs from Jackson, then Jackson lifted up his opponent and slammed him to the canvas to put an exclamation point on the end of the round.
Woah! @JacksonJason150 was looking for a big slam and he found it.
Watch #Bellator236 LIVE on @DAZN_USA and @SkySports.#BellatorHawaii pic.twitter.com/qd1Ufex6E5
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 22, 2019
Jackson had the center of the cage early on and Kunimoto was waving him forward. A right hand landed for Jackson then he stuffed a takedown. A leg kick swept Jackson off his feet, but he returned to upright position quickly. The jab for Jackson was landing with ease. He nailed Kunimoto with an uppercut then avoided a takedown. The right hands started flying through for Jackson as well and Kunimoto had no answer.
Kunimoto shot for a takedown right away but ended up on his back. They returned to the feet soon after, and the Jason Jackson Show continued as programmed. Straight punches were on the money highlighted by a head kick and a pair of hooks. A big right hand landed for Kunimoto, but it was far too little too late for him. Kunimoto initiated a clinch with 90 seconds left and Jackson turned it into a takedown. Jackson rode out the round on top, standing up with seven seconds left, landing a flying knee and hitting a lateral drop takedown.
Jason Jackson def. Kiichi Kunimoto by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
