Damon Jackson’s Underdog Reaction and Mariscal Defeat
Damon Jackson said he was surprised to be listed as an underdog before facing Chepe Mariscal at UFC Vegas 95. Mariscal went on to win their August 10, 2024 bout by unanimous decision, earning 30–25, 30–25 and 30–26 scores after the fight was changed to a 149.5-pound catchweight when Mariscal missed the featherweight limit.
Jackson questioned the betting line
In the week before the fight, Jackson reacted to odds that had him as the underdog, saying the line “blows my freaking mind.” The veteran had more UFC experience, while Mariscal entered unbeaten in three UFC appearances and carried a six-fight winning streak. Those records helped explain the market’s view, though betting odds are estimates that shift over time, not predictions or measures of a fighter’s worth.
The matchup was scheduled for featherweight, but Mariscal weighed in above the division limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight, and Jackson received a percentage of Mariscal’s purse under the usual missed-weight terms. Inside the cage, Mariscal’s pace and pressure produced a wide scorecard result.
Mariscal won decisively
The official scorecards favored Mariscal by margins of five, five and four points. Jackson’s upset bid never came together, and the loss added another defeat to his UFC record. Mariscal moved to 4–0 in the promotion at the time, continuing a strong start to his UFC tenure.
Result: Chepe Mariscal def. Damon Jackson by unanimous decision (30–25, 30–25, 30–26), catchweight (149.5 pounds) — UFC Vegas 95, August 10, 2024.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: Jackson reacts to being an underdog
- UFC: Official UFC Vegas 95 scorecards
- Sherdog: UFC Vegas 95 preview and weigh-in context
Sources: ufc.com; boxing.nv.gov
Tags
MMA, Combat Sports
