After returning to the UFC in September after a multi-year absence, and picking up his first win inside the octagon, Damon Jackson was looking for a second at UFC Vegas 16. The featherweight was paired up with Ilia Topuria, an undefeated fighter looking for a second win in his own sophomore outing in the promotion.
Damon “The Leech” Jackson was no doubt looking to prove he was in the UFC to stay, and both he and Topuria appeared game to throw down right off the opening bell. Topuria ripped the body repeatedly, perhaps giving a hint at his game plan. And if that was indeed the game plan, it certainly worked.
Topuria’s insistence at chipping away at the body took the takedown option away from Jackson. Later in the opening frame, Topuria landed an uppercut, and drilled the body some more — right to the liver. Jackson was hurt, and while he instinctively protected his midsection, Topuria went upstairs with the knockout blow.
Rips & Clips!
🇬🇪 Ilia Topuria ENDS IT in half a round.
[ Tune in on #ESPNPlus & ESPN2 ] pic.twitter.com/pKZEBGGh4B
— UFC (@ufc) December 6, 2020
He then walked off, mission accomplished. That walk-off KO win improves Topuria’s record to a perfect 10-0. And should set him up for an even bigger match-up moving forward. Topuria’s hands looked deadly at UFC Vegas 16, and given he also has a solid grappling game, he poses some serious problems for the featherweight division.
Official Result: Ilia Topuria def. Damon Jackson by knockout, Round 1, 2:38
