Jason Jackson believes he’s in a great position to finally get what he’s been chasing for years.
The streaking Bellator welterweight contender has been placed center stage and given an opportunity to make a big statement in the promotion. Jackson (15-4 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) is set to headline his first event under the company’s banner as he takes on former champion Douglas Lima on July 22 in the Bellator 283 headliner from Tacoma, Wash.
“The Ass-Kicking Machine” strongly believes this upcoming fight will determine the next challenger in the division.
“Absolutely, title eliminator,” Jackson told MMA Junkie. “This is a title eliminator right here, for sure, I was told by source. Because I was already next in line for the shot.”
Jackson is on a five-fight wining streak, which includes notable names such as Paul Daley, Neiman Gracie and Benson Henderson.
Currently, Bellator’s welterweight division has an interim title in place. Jackson’s teammate at Sanford MMA, Logan Stroley, won the interim belt by defeating Michael Page in a split decision back in May at Bellator 281. The interim title fight was put in place after champion Yaroslav Amosov decided to take up arms and defend his home country of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
It’s unknown when Amosov will return to unify the title against Stroley. Depending on how things shake out at the top, there’s a chance Jackson might end up fighting his teammate – something he’s OK with.
“Why wouldn’t I be open?” Jackson said. “He’s open already. He already said my name and said I’m next, said he’s ready to go out there and put on a scrap with me. I’m respectful, thankful and grateful for him doing that. So I’m ready if it comes down to me and him.”