Jackson Says UFC Fears Him Disrupting Makhachev Division

Former Bellator welterweight champion Jason Jackson says the UFC is keeping him off the roster because he would disrupt Islam Makhachev's division.

Jackson, who lost his title earlier this year, told fans on social media he believes he can beat the UFC welterweight champion and that the promotion fears what he might do to their pecking order. "I want to go to the UFC. I'm not even gonna beat around the bush because I feel like I could beat Makhachev," Jackson posted on X, per Sherdog.

Why Jackson Thinks He Can Beat Makhachev

The 35-year-old pointed to Makhachev's grueling title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330 in July as evidence he would cause problems. Jackson said he has trained with Garry and never struggled with the Irishman in sparring. He also cited his win over Yaroslav Amosov, who has since finished both his UFC opponents and handed Makhachev a tougher fight in Jackson's estimation.

Jackson went further, suggesting the UFC does not want an older fighter from a rival promotion entering the division and immediately challenging for the title. "If I get into the UFC, I feel like that's one that the UFC don't want, is a guy my age coming from a different promotion, going there and just disrupting their whole pecking order," he said.

Jackson is 20-6 overall and 2-2 in his last four fights. He scored a 20-second knockout at Most Valuable Promotions' first MMA card in May.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jason Jackson says UFC doesn't want him disrupting Islam Makhachev's division