Nashville, TN — Welterweight Jason Jackson has seen the brash, disrespectful talk from PFL Nashville opponent Thad Jean, and it most certainly has him motivated.
The pair face off in the main event of the first PFL World Tournament semifinal on Thursday, with Jackson (19-5) telling Cageside Press and other media outlets on Tuesday that “it does give me a lot of confidence and self-confidence. The more Thad opens his mouth the more confidence grows on my side. Because it just shows the insecurity and the youngness in him, and that is what’s going to be his downfall on Thursday night.”
For Jackson, it all boils down to respect, or lack thereof. “The Ass-Kicking Machine” is a former Bellator MMA welterweight champ, who also held gold in LFA and Titan FC, among other organizations.
“This guy does not respect my accomplishments and all the big names that I’ve fought to be where I am on this big stage. He does not see nothing that I have done or the way that I have paved for him to be here, to where he’s the main event,” exclaimed Jackson. “He’s never been on a main card or a main event, and he’s not even grateful for none of that. He’s just talking about how he’s the greatest, and how I’m nothing, I’ve done nothing, I’m old man, I’m like what? What are you talking about buddy?”
“I’m in my prime, and I’m ready to kick ass. What are you talking about? I’m a champion, multiple time champion. So what are you talking about? I’ve beat tougher opponents, harder-hitting opponents than you are. For you to not acknowledge that, there definitely has to be some type of insecurity.”
Jackson also took umbrage with Jean playing Muhammad Ali videos while claiming to be the greatest. “You’re not the greatest, you haven’t done nothing to be the greatest.”
Thad Jean has suggested he’s going to have a Conor McGregor-Jose Aldo style moment with Jason Jackson at PFL Nashville. “Listen, he’s not no Conor McGregor, and definitely not no Jose Aldo,” retorted Jackson. “This guy’s delusional, because if he thinks it’s going to be a walk in the park, come and just hit me and then boom, it’s not going to happen. Because guess what, I’m ready for everything that he’s going to throw at me.” In part, added Jackson, “because everything he does, somebody’s reporting to me. He don’t even know I’ve got eyes everywhere.”
Spies in camp perhaps? In any case, Jackson revisited the McGregor-Aldo comparison. “He’s gonna be Jose Aldo. He brought up, that’s a good perspective he’s using right there. I’m gonna be Conor McGregor, I’m going to start on Thursday night.”
Watch the full PFL Nashville media day appearance by Jason Jackson above.
