Bellator 283: Emerald Queen Casino; Tacoma, Washington
It was far from “pretty”; however, Jason Jackson is closing in on his main objective. To win Bellator MMA gold at 170. The win streak he’s riding right now has improved to six. All by the way come via unanimous decisions. And those followed a pair of split-decisions, going 1-1.
As he said after the fight to Big John McCarthy; “Douglas Lima is a legend”. But he’s a legend that is now seriously struggling. The wrestling heavy attack Jackson employed kept the dangerous three-time former champion on his back. Especially since he seemed to accept being on the bottom.
Lima, who is now on a four-fight losing streak (also all by decisions); is staring down the barrel of a gun pro-athletes worry about. That their glory time at the top is coming to an end. And it’s not like he’s in his mid-40’s. Lima is still only 34-years old. But the look in his eyes, and the going backwards in standup are worrisome.
Jason Jackson Closing In On Welterweight Title
When an athlete reaches the top of the division, the movement becomes tighter. That’s the deal for Jackson. Come next weeks updated rankings, the duo will flip-flop spots. MMA fans that crave the slinging of leather and aren’t the biggest grappling supporters are in for some dark days. And you can already imagine some “boo-birds” getting warmed up.
Not only does Jackson have a big wrestling game, but so does champion Yaroslav Amosov and interim champ, and teammate Logan Storley. Instead of risking his spot, Jackson is fine sitting back and waiting for the title to be unified before jumping on his crack at the belt. Which you can’t really blame him for.
Outside of Michael Page who has to deal with Mike Perry in BKFC, he has the longest reach. But, that advantage is hardly used; with only four knockouts in his 16-wins. Jackson might be able to handle Storley easier than Amasov. However, there is no telling right now what mind set the Ukrainian will be in when he returns to the Bellator cage.
For Lima though; his eighth five-rounder in Bellator may be his last.
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