When Dan Ige and Damon Jackson were booked for the first card of the year, most people probably appreciated the fun stylistic matchmaking. Not only is it fun stylistically, but it is a much needed fight for the division between a ranked fighter needing a rebound and an unranked fighter on a tear. However great it may seem, it might not be time to start lauding the fine work of Mick Maynard.
“Actually me and Dan were the ones who set it up,” Jackson explained. “We both wanted to get one more in [2022].”
It’s not uncommon in the world of MMA to see callout lead to fight, especially on social media. However, it is uncommon to see them as 100% agreeable and respectable.
“I messaged him [on Instagram] and was like ‘hey man, I’ve got nothing but respect for you – would love to get matched up with you if you want to get one more in by the end of this year,” he said. “He was cool. He was like ‘yeah, man. You’re killing it. You definitely deserve a shot at the top 15.”
Just like it was in the DMs, it will be in the cage. Jackson knows that this step forward in his career is likely going to be one of his very toughest tests. He expects an absolute battle, but one that his style will lend itself to.
“He’s definitely got the wrestling pedigree in there to square up with me wrestling,” Jackson said. “This is going to be a true mixed martial arts fight. This is going to be a big test in a lot of ways… Everybody knows my style now. I’m coming for it. I’m looking for that finish.”
These two will get a chance to throw down as the co-main event of this weekend’s UFC Vegas 67. The fight will take place on ESPN+
You can listen to the entire audio of this interview below at 2:21.
