32-fight vet appears to retire after disappointing submission loss on the UFC 309 prelims

UFC lightweight Damon Jackson left his gloves in the Octagon after a submission loss to Jim Miller during the UFC 309 prelims.

Damon Jackson and UFC record holder Jim Miller fought in an intriguing lightweight bout during the UFC 309 prelims. After Jackson appeared to land some hard low kicks in the opening minutes, Miller wisely pulled guard and forced Jackson to tap into a guillotine.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Just minutes after the tap, Jackson removed his gloves as the official decision was read by Bruce Buffer, declining a post-fight interview and leaving the cage. He left his gloves in the Octagon, sparking speculation that he was retiring after UFC 309.

If UFC 309 truly marked the end of Jackson's professional MMA career, it ended after his UFC lightweight debut. Before the loss to Miller, Jackson was a mainstay in the featherweight division, coming off recent wins over Alexander Hernandez and Pat Sabatini.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Damon Jackson takes off the gloves after UFC 309 loss to Jim Miller

Jackson made his UFC debut in September 2020, earning a come-from-behind submission victory over Mirsad Bektić. Before signing with the UFC, Jackson found success in promotions such as PFL and LFA.

A loss to current UFC featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria preceded a solid win streak for Jackson. He defeated Charles Rosa, Kamuela Kirk and Dan Argueta as he moved closer to a spot in the Featherweight Top 15.

Just as Jackson seemed to be finding his footing in the Octagon, he lost four of his last five fights. Back-to-back losses to Billy Quarantillo and Dan Ige came before a split-decision win over Hernandez.

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Jim Miller turns back the clock in a stunning first round at UFC 309

As for Miller, UFC 309 marked his 45th appearance inside the Octagon, and he remains a force to be reckoned with at 155 pounds. Before the win over Jackson, Miller suffered a brutal loss to Bobby Green at UFC 300.

Despite his long track record, the 41-year-old Miller put his retirement aside in his post-UFC 309 interview with Joe Rogan. He has won three of his last four fights and has shown shades of his former physical prime.

Miller holds numerous UFC records, including most fights (45), wins (27) and lightweight fight time (6:50:31). He will return to the Octagon next year in hopes of getting closer to the lightweight Top 15.

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