LAS VEGAS – Damon Jackson is shocked by the betting traces for his UFC on ESPN 61 co-main occasion towards Chepe Mariscal.
Jackson (23-6-1 MMA, 6-4-1 UFC) is at present tabbed as a +185 betting underdog towards Mariscal (16-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who comes again because the -230 favourite in response to DraftKings Sportsbook for the featherweight matchup on Saturday on the UFC Apex (ESPN, ESPN+).
Given the disparity in high-level expertise, Jackson admits he was stunned when he noticed the percentages going into battle evening.
“The best way the followers, the folks take a look at it – I’m the underdog this battle,” Jackson advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “It blows my freaking thoughts. I’m coming on the market and making a press release for certain.”
Jackson, 35, mentioned he understands that hype can provide method to slanted betting odds, however he questions if Mariscal is worthy. He thinks his opponent is proficient, nevertheless, argues he wasn’t deserving of the cut up choice win he acquired over Morgan Charriere in his most up-to-date outing at UFC Combat Night time 240 in April.
“He’s, ‘The subsequent large factor’ – I’ve heard this story time and again,” Jackson mentioned. “(Movlid) Khaybulaev, Pat (Sabatini) – all these guys. They throw out these names. Like yeah, the child is nice. He’s powerful as hell, too, and I do know he’s recreation to battle. I do know that is going to be a fantastic battle for the followers and undoubtedly worthy of a co-main or important occasion spot. It’s a tricky battle. I’m not trying previous him in any approach. Simply mentally proper now and bodily proper now, I’m simply at a unique stage and he can’t deal with me on the bottom.”
Jackson spent a lot of his media day speaking up his sturdy psychological and bodily state. He thinks he’s within the midst of his finest years proper now, and if he needs to realize his aim of getting ranked opponents and a quantity subsequent to his title, Jackson is conscious he should win this one.
“I feel simply staying related, making an attempt to interrupt into that high 15, high 10 – you need to keep busy,” Jackson mentioned. “There’s no day off. I simply really feel like at this level in my profession, I’m desirous to push it on daily basis as a result of I don’t know the way for much longer that is going to occur. I simply really feel so wholesome. I really feel so good. So I’m going to push it as onerous as I can for so long as I can.”
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