Mike Jackson is getting a third opportunity to fight in the UFC as he’s scheduled to welcome newcomer Dean Barry to the promotion in January.
Jackson (1-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), who hasn’t fought since his unanimous decision win over former WWE star CM Punk at UFC 225 in June 2018, has agreed to fight Barry (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) on an upcoming UFC Fight Night event.
Multiple people with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie on Tuesday. The people requested anonymity because UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
The UFC Fight Night event takes place Jan. 20 on “Fight Island” in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Broadcast plans have not been announced.
Jackson made his UFC debut with a quick submission loss to Mickey Gall in an eliminator bout to see who would welcome CM Punk to the UFC. He ended up getting the matchup after Punk lost to Gall, and outpointed his way to a decision.
He’s now set to welcome Barry to the promotion. The Irish prospect was signed earlier this year.
The latest lineup for UFC’s Jan. 20 card now includes:
- Leon Edwards vs. Khamzat Chimaev
- Michael Chiesa vs. Neil Magny
- Viviane Araujo vs. Roxanne Modafferi
- Tyson Nam vs. Matt Schnell
- Francisco Figueredo vs. Jerome Rivera
- Dean Barry vs. Mike Jackson
