Jackson was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica on October 30, 1990. At the age of 12 he moved to South Florida, graduating from Miramar High School, where he competed on the school’s wrestling team.[2][3][4] Growing up he was a fan of professional wrestling and the WWE. He began training for mixed martial arts at the age of 19 with The Blackzilians.[5]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Jackson made his professional debut in 2012, compiling a record of 5–2 in regional promotions, where he competed against future UFC fighter Colby Covington.
The Ultimate Fighter
In February 2015, it was announced Jackson would be a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians.[6]
Jackson's first fight on TUF was against Marcelo Alfaya, whom he defeated by majority decision.[7]
In his second fight on the show he faced future Titan FC Welterweight Champion Michael Graves. Early in the first round Jackson connected with a groin kick that went unnoticed by the referee and almost finished Graves with punches. However Graves survived and submitted Jackson with a rear naked choke in round one, eliminating him from the tournament.[8]
Titan Fighting Championships
Jackson made his Titan FC debut against Rodrigo Cavalheiro Correia on September 9, 2016, at Titan FC 41. He won the fight via unanimous decision.[9]
Jackson then competed in a title match against Titan FC Welterweight Champion and future UFC fighter, Dhiego Lima on December 2, 2016, at Titan FC 42. Jackson won the fight via technical knockout early in round one, claiming the Titan FC Welterweight Championship.[10]
Jackson vacated his title after being invited to compete on Dana White's Contender Series. He faced Kyle Stewart, and lost the fight via TKO in round two after suffering an ankle injury that rendered him unable to continue.[11] He was not awarded a UFC contract as a result.
Bellator MMA
Jackson made his Bellator MMA debut against Jordon Larson on August 17, 2018, at Bellator 204. He won the fight via TKO in round one.[12]
After picking up two wins in the Legacy Fighting Alliance promotion,[13][14] Jackson returned to Bellator, facing Ed Ruth on October 25, 2019, at Bellator 231. He lost the fight via controversial split decision.[15] 4 out of 6 media outlets scored the fight for Jackson.[16]
Jackson next faced Neiman Gracie on April 2, 2021, at Bellator 255. He won the close fight via unanimous decision.[21]
Jackson faced Paul Daley on June 11, 2021, at Bellator 260. Jackson used his wrestling to dominate Daley, winning the fight via unanimous decision.[22]
Jackson was scheduled to face former Bellator Welterweight ChampionDouglas Lima on May 13, 2022, at Bellator London.[23] However the fight was postponed to July 24, 2022, at Bellator 283 for undisclosed reasons.[24][25] At the weigh-ins, Douglas Lima, came in at 172.8 lbs, 1.8 pounds heavy for his headlining welterweight bout. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Lima was fined a percentage of his individual purse, which went to Jackson.[26] Jackson won the fight via unanimous decision.[27]
Bellator Welterweight champion
Jackson fought for the Bellator Welterweight World Championship against reigning champion Yaroslav Amosov on November 17, 2023, at Bellator 301.[28] In an upset, Jackson was able to stuff all of Amosov's takedowns and proceeded to knock him out with uppercuts in the third round, being the first person to defeat Amosov ever.[29]
Jackson was scheduled to face 2023 PFL welterweight champion Magomed Magomedkerimov in a 3 round non-title crossover fight on February 24, 2024, at PFL vs. Bellator. However, Magomedkerimov withdrew due to injury in January 2024 and was replaced by Ray Cooper III, with the bout taking place at a catchweight of 182 pounds.[30] Jackson dominated the bout with leg kicks and eventually won by technical knockout due to ground and pound in the second round.[31]
