Wilson wins split decision in Bellator’s return on Friday night.
Undefeated featherweght prospect Jay Jay Wilson took home a split decision victory over dominant wrestler Tywan Claxton at Bellator 242. However, the bout came at a catchweight — Wilson had to give up 20% of his fight purse after missing weight by just under two pounds at the official weigh-in Thursday morning. Wilson apologized to Claxton post fight, as the two had been butting heads all of fight week.
“I tried my best to make weight. I apologized to him, it’s very unprofessional missing weight,” Wilson said post-fight, speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press. “We had some back and forth banter all week. After the fight I apologized to him and wanted to be professional about it all.”
Wilson was told by the Connecticut commission head on Thursday after missing weight that it may be time to move up in weight. According to Wilson however his plan is to stay in the 145lb division. Wilson blamed the weight issues on his Jiu Jitsu competitions.
“I feel comfortable here” Wilson told the media. “I was competing Jiu-Jitsu at 185, I didn’t know when fighting would be back. I was eating as much as I could for those tournaments. Now that fights are back, my weight is going back down, I’m eating healthy.”
The undefeated prospect faced a big test in Claxton who has been a dominant wrestler since before he was a Bellator fighter. During much of the first and second rounds, Wilson found himself in tough clinch positions, but stayed calm in Claxton’s world.
“I was super calm in the clinch, I have an amazing wrestling coach,” Wilson said. “I’ve been seeing wrestlers everyday in camp, I’m comfortable there.”
As for who is next for the undefeated featherweight? Wilson is open to anything.
“Anyone” Wilson said. “I’m 23 years old, I’m early in this sport, I’m in no rush but if they want me on the August 7 card, September, I’m ready.”
Wilson defeated Tywan Claxton via split decision in the Fight Sphere as Bellator has returned to the cage this Friday. The promotion has three more scheduled cards at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT within the next two months.
