A UFC Vegas 95 card ravaged with injury and withdrawals found its co-main event in Damon Jackson vs. Chepe Mariscal.
At least the fight held together, despite Mariscal missing weight by 3.5 pounds on Friday, one of three fighters to miss the mark for the much maligned event.
Jackson entered the would-be featherweight bout off a split decision win over Alexander Hernandez; Mariscal had won his first three fights under the UFC banner.
The action was hot and heavy in the early-going of the UFC Vegas 95 co-headliner. Mariscal went right after a bodylock takedown and ripped the body when he couldn’t get it. Jackson fired knees. They held onto that clinch until Chepe landed a throw; even coming back up, they stayed locked together, neither man willing to given an inch. Ending up on the cage, Jackson clasped his hands with a gable grip and reversed; Chepe spun them around again. A grueling style through two minutes, with Jackson living up to his nickname, “The Leech.”
Still clinched up, Mariscal landed a knee. Moments later, a four pack of left hooks connected for Chepe Mariscal. Yet coming out of that clinch it was Mariscal who was bloodied. He’d land a takedown, however, but drew a warning for hitting the back of the head. Another takedown at Jackson defend with a guillotine. He’d get up, reverse, and drive Mariscal into the fence. Jackson then stumbled off a throw attempt and nearly gave up position before regaining his composure. They finally broke, found some space, and re-engaged, with Mariscal connecting with punches and the pair trading knees. It was Mariscal attempting a takedown late, but Jackson fought it off, reversed, and tried for one of his own.
Early in the second, Jackson landed low with a knee, leading to a break in the action 30 seconds in. The ref restarted them in the same position, with the pair reversing a couple of times once they were back underway. This war of attrition continued for several minutes until Mariscal finally landed a trip. Jackson then gave up his back trying to get up; Mariscal locked up what could best be described as a reverse crucifix from back mount. That allowed him to drop elbows and hammer fists and force Jackson to try and change position, which led to a scramble. Mariscal was having his best moments of the fight, and Jackson was looking exhausted. When Mariscal stood up, Jackson fell to his back, inviting Mariscal to follow. He did, but it backfired for Jackson, as Mariscal was in control landing ground n’ pound with 30 seconds to go in the round.
It wasn’t enough to put Jackson away, but Chepe Mariscal finish the round extremely strong. He started the third with a push kick, while Jackson fired back with his hands. Mariscal appeared to be the fresher fighter, if just barely. The clinch game was back, the pair spinning around on the fence. Once Mariscal got his hands going, he was able to scoop Jackson up and land a takedown. Chepe was on the back, but Jackson reversed, and nearly took the back himself! Another scramble and they were back up, Jackson looking for a takedown.
More scrambles and it was Mariscal on top. Jackson seemed to be just barely holding on. When he got up, Mariscal dragged him back down for the mat return. Jackson, tired as he might be, was proving super tough – but also losing the fight. Mariscal would finish in control, landing ground n’ pound to the final horn in one of the better fights at UFC Vegas 95.
Were it not for the weight miss, it might have been close to a perfect night for Chepe Mariscal.
Official Result: Chepe Mariscal def. Damon Jackson by decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
