Damon Jackson’s return to the UFC on short notice led to the biggest moment of his career as he upset Mirsad Bektic on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 36.
After fizzling out of the UFC following a winless three-fight stint from 2014-2016, Jackson (18-3-1 MMA, 1-1-1 UFC) got his opportunity back on the big stage years later as a replacement opponent for highly touted featherweight Bektic (13-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC).
Bektic came in as the second-biggest betting favorite on the card, and for the first two rounds the odds made sense. He jumped on multiple submission attempts, but Bektic was able to cruise through them and keep positional and the striking control.
The tide turned in the third, though, when Jackson found an opportunity for a mounted guillotine choke that forced the tap at the 1:21 mark of the final frame.
Watch the video of Jackson’s sensational win below (via Twitter):
3️⃣ DAYS NOTICE.
Damon Jackson with sub No. 1️⃣4️⃣ in his UFC return.
[ Tune in – LIVE on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/qD349adm0j
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2020
Comeback Kid!
Jackson keeps coming for three straight rounds 😤 #UFCVegas11 pic.twitter.com/lsxcqR6W3f
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2020
Jackson, who is one of the founding member of the Dallas-based Fortis MMA team, was thrilled with his victory after the fact. It took him 10 fights and claiming and LFA belt between UFC stints, but it was well worth it for his huge first moment of triumph inside the octagon.
