UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Jay Jay Wilson acknowledges that he’s facing a step up in competition, but his confidence hasn’t wavered.
Wilson (5-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) faces Tywan Claxton (6-1 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) Friday in the main card of Bellator 242. Both men have an array of finishes on their resumes, but Wilson expects Claxton’s fast start to cost him.
“To date, he’s the toughest fighter,” Wilson told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “He’s 6-1 right now, super tough opponent. He’s got some nice highlight-reel knockouts. He’s definitely one of the toughest opponents I’ve fought, but I found some holes (and) I’m ready to exploit them.
“I’m expecting him to be explosive. He’s gonna come out with some power. He’s an NCAA wrestler, so he’s gonna come out with some really good wrestling and explosive power, raw power, so I’m ready to take him into deep waters and see how he likes to swim.”
Undefeated Wilson is also known for his fast starts, where four of his five finishes have come in the first round. But he is confident that he has the cardio to turn the tide, break Claxton and take control of the fight.
“First round is gonna be fireworks, because that’s where he likes to go and as soon as he starts to slow down, I’m gonna keep the pace on him,” Wilson said. “I want to put pressure on him the whole entire time. He’s going to regret going in there with me.”
Bellator 242 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Paramount following prelims on YouTube.
