Mirsad Bektic entered fight week ahead of UFC Vegas 11 paired up with Luiz Eduardo Garagorri. Instead, one positive COVID-19 test later, Bektic was instead facing the returning Damon Jackson, a Bellator and LFA alum who had last fought in the octagon four years prior.
Jackson opened the featherweight bout with a kick, but Bektic rushed forward with a punch combination then changed levels for the single. Bektic next took Jackson to the ground and worked for position, but Jackson got back to his feet. Mirsad stuck with him and again took Jackson to the mat. Bektic worked from side control until the referee stopped the action as Bektic landed to the back of Jackson’s head. It was a stern warning from Big Dan, who took away the position. As a result, the pair started back on their feet and Bektic rushed in, again shooting for the takedown. Jackson looked for a guillotine, but Bektic escaped and took top position.
The two worked for position and again Bektic wound up on top — but Jackson had a nasty Kimura locked in. Bektic looked calm with his arm twisted at an outrageous angle, and it paid off as he escaped shortly after. Bektic then mauled Jackson, who looked for another Kimura. Once again Bektic escaped and continued to maul his opponent. Near the end of the round Bektic took Jackson’s back and landed repeated hammer fists on a defending Jackson.
In round two, Jackson came out tentative but it didn’t take long for Bektic to rush in for the takedown. Jackson locked in the guillotine and cranked the neck of Bektic. Bektic defended well and when Jackson tried to adjust his grip; Bektic broke free and took the back of Jackson before transitioning to an arm triangle position. Jackson worked back up to his feet but Bektic quickly took him back to the ground. Bektic continued to work on dragging Jackson down, working in some strikes and trying to improve position while Jackson defended. Bektic suddenly jumped in for a Guillotine of his own but Jackson defended, walked his legs up the cage to relieve the pressure and rolled on top of Bektic, where he proceeded to throw some nasty elbows as the round came to and end.
Damon Jackson came out with a front kick in the third and followed up with a combination before going for the clinch. Bektic spun, backing into the cage before he dropped levels but Jackson again went for the guillotine locked it in, swept Bektic and from the top position forced the tap. A very tough fight, with the returning Jackson still fired up after the bout!
3️⃣ DAYS NOTICE.
Damon Jackson with sub No. 1️⃣4️⃣ in his UFC return.
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— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2020
Official Result: Damon Jackson def. Mirsad Bektic by submission (guillotine Choke), Round 3, 1:21
