Key to Jordan Mein victory was to ‘have fun, smile’

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Jason Jackson made a statement Friday night.

The Bellator welterweight fighter picked up a dominant decision win over former UFC fighter Jordan Mein in the co-main event of Bellator 242 in Uncasville, Conn. It was a big moment for Jackson (12-4 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) in his MMA career, as it was the highest placement he’s ever had on a card throughout his Bellator run and arguably the biggest name he’s defeated.

Although there was a lot at stake for Jackson, the Jamaican fighter made sure to not take things too seriously entering the bout.

“The key was have fun, smile and don’t have bad energy,” Jackson told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at the post-fight press conference. “It’s not really about the opponent, it’s about me putting on a performance and improve from my last (fight), so that’s what I did tonight.

“I still have some stuff to work on and that’s what I’m going to do – go back to the drawing board. Hopefully, in two weeks if somebody falls out the card August 7, I’m willing and able (to step in). I took no damage tonight, so Bellator pay close attention to that.”

From a technical standpoint, there was plenty to highlight from Jackson’s performance. The 29-year-old had success using leg kicks, which came courtesy from a couple of UFC contenders.

“Gilbert Burns and Vicente Luque,” Jackson said. “Those guys fight in the UFC, they’re top of the chain. Every single time I spar against them, they use that move and I’m like, ‘Why shouldn’t I use that in my arsenal? They take stuff from me, so I’m going to take stuff form them,’ and it paid a lot of dividends tonight. Thanks, Vicente. Thank you, Gilbert Burns.”

Jackson is now 5-1 in his past six and he’s currently on a two-fight winning streak. He hopes to continue adding to that run in hopes of getting a hold of a Bellator belt and a home for his family.

“My goal this year was to win that belt, ” Jackson explained. “I know nobody is going to believe me until I do it, but the pandemic kind of slowed everything down, so it kind of pushed the plan back to next year or if the opportunity comes up because I know the champ takes on any challenge any time, so I’m looking forward to that if the opportunity presents itself. And now I can buy my kids and myself a home, that’s my plan. So that’s my next step in becoming a man in this society: you have to have a home, you have to have a wife, and you have to be doing good with everybody.”