UFC lightweight Damon Jackson isn't walking away from the fight after taking off his gloves following his most recent defeat.
Damon Jackson seemed destined for retirement after a loss to Jim Miller on the UFC 309 undercard. After taking off his gloves in the Octagon, without any post-fight comments, fans and pundits assumed Jackson was done competing in the cage.
Not so fast, says Jackson.
Jackson made the full-time move to lightweight after an up-and-down stint at featherweight during his UFC career. He has scored wins over the likes of Alexander Hernandez, Dan Argueta and Pat Sabatini during his promotional stint.
Despite taking off the gloves at Madison Square Garden, Jackson is plotting a UFC comeback rather than walking away from fights.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Damon Jackson wants to resume UFC career despite retirement teases
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Jackson clarified his stance on retirement after taking off the gloves at UFC 309.
“I'm still going for it 100 percent. Mentally, I just checked out that night,” Jackson admitted. “Giving my body a break isn't a bad idea so I can focus on other things. But I'm not done yet. Just overload…
“I just have to find my way to what I want to do next, but I'm not done fighting yet. I have a lot to do, I love fighting and everything that comes with it…I just think I need to focus on other things financially, mentally and physically.”
Jackson will be looking to get back on track as he returns to the Octagon after losing in four of his last five fights. His last win came in April against Hernandez via split decision.
Damon Jackson is the latest UFC fighter to change course after retirement
Jackson further clarified that while he is not part of the UFC's drug testing pool, as of today he refuses to fight for any other promotions. He plans to take an extended break before contacting the UFC matchmakers for another possible fight in the Octagon.
The 36-year-old Jackson still has some time in his fighting career to right the ship and seems satisfied with his decision to continue. He possesses a dangerous style for potential opponents, including elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling.
Jackson isn't the only UFC fighter to change course after retiring in 2024. Former UFC welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal, who walked away after a loss at UFC 287, is looking to return to the Octagon in 2025 and resume his career.
After teasing his retirement ahead of his victory at UFC 309, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is in active negotiations to return to the Octagon in 2025. His likely opponent will be Tom Aspinall if Jones agrees to terms with the UFC brass.
As for Jackson, an exact timetable for his UFC return is uncertain, as are the details surrounding his fighting future. But after a major setback at UFC 309, Jackson appears rejuvenated to end his career on the right foot.
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