Popular featherweights Billy Quarantillo and Damon Jackson anchored the UFC Nashville featured prelim spot on Saturday night in Nashville, TN.
Quarantillo was looking to bounce back from a loss to longtime UFC vet Edson Barboza, while Jackson was likely hoping to get back in the win column after falling to Dan Ige.
Both fighters took center of the cage to start the fight and Damon Jackson did not waste anytime landing some huge shots that seemed to stun Billy Quarantillo. Jackson landed a front kick to the face and continued the pressure landing a takedown. Quarantillo was trying to land a choke but Damon is a veteran on the ground and was able to figure that out quickly. Damon was able to take Billy Quarantillo’s back against the cage but he was able to get up. The round ended rough for Billy who ate a body kick that quickly got a reaction out of him.
The fight continued into the 2nd round with Quarantillo coming out of the gate with pressure landing a couple good lead right lands. Quarantillo was looking to get some of grappling going early in the round against Jackson. Taking Damon Jackson down was no easy task as he threw a hard knee up the middle landing on the chin of Quarantillo. Quarantillo’s Pace and body shots were starting to wear on Jackson which was leading to come good shots over the top. Damon eventually landed a takedown to change the pace of the fight. Quarantillo was able to weather that storm and get on top of Jackson and go for a anaconda choke. Jackson was able to get up but ate a huge right hand by Billy Quarantillo to finish the round.
The third and final round both fighters leave off right where they started with a high pace and lots of grappling. Jackson was able to land an up kick along with some nice knees in the clinch. Quarantillo was hurting Jackson with some big right lands and some nasty body shots. Jackson was able to land a takedown with a minute left in the fight and Quarantillo was able to get up ending the round with hands flying.
This fight was an absolute war between two veterans coming off devastating losses with a lot to prove. After 3 rounds the judges decided Billy Quarantillo was the right decision winning a close war 29-28 on all three cards. Damon Jackson and Billy Quarantillo left it all on the line in Nashville in a barn burner and the real winner here is the fans.
Official Result: Billy Quarantillo def. Damon Jackson via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
