LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 10: (From left) Chepe Mariscal kicks Damon Jackson in a featherweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Powers/Zuffa LLC)
On a card marred by injuries and withdrawals, UFC Las Vegas 95 featured Damon Jackson vs. Chepe Mariscal as the co-main event.
At least the fight is in order after Mariscal failed to make weight by 3.5 pounds on Friday. He is one of three fighters who failed to make weight for the notorious tournament.
Jackson was coming off a split decision win over Alexander Hernandez coming into what was supposed to be a featherweight bout, with Mariscal having won his first three fights under the UFC banner.
The UFC Las Vegas 95 co-headliner bout was heated from the beginning. Mariscal attempted a bodylock takedown but missed, attacking the body. Jackson landed a knee. They stayed in the clinch, and when Chape attempted a throw, they remained locked together, refusing to give an inch. Jackson fell to the cage, then turned around, clutching both his hands in a gable grip. Chape again rotated both feet. For two minutes, Jackson put up a tough fight, living up to his nickname “The Hill.”
Mariscal landed a knee strike while clinching. Chepe Mariscal landed four left hooks shortly after. However, Mariscal came out of the clinch covered in blood. He went for a takedown, but was warned for hitting the back of the head. Another takedown attempt on Jackson was defended with a guillotine. Jackson got up, reversed and pushed Mariscal into the fence. Jackson stumbled with a throw and nearly lost his balance, but regained his composure. The two finally broke down, found space and fought again, Mariscal landed punches and the two traded knee strikes. Mariscal went for a takedown near the end of the match, but Jackson dodged it, reversed and went for a takedown himself.
Early in the second round, Jackson landed a low knee, stopping the fight 30 seconds into the round. The referee restarted the fight in the same position, and the two switched positions a couple of times when they returned. This attritional battle continued for several minutes, until Mariscal landed a trip. Jackson gave up on his back trying to get up, and Mariscal landed what could be called a reverse crucifix from back mount. This allowed Mariscal to drop elbows and hammer fists, forcing Jackson to change position and forcing a scramble. Mariscal was having his best moment of the fight, and Jackson looked exhausted. As Mariscal rose to his feet, Jackson collapsed onto his back, inviting Mariscal to follow suit. Mariscal rose to his feet, but it backfired, and Mariscal gained the advantage with ground-and-pound with 30 seconds left in the round.
Though it wasn’t enough to take Jackson down, Chip Mariscal finished the round very strong. He started the third round with a push kick and Jackson countered with punches. Mariscal looked the fresher fighter, if only slightly. The clinch game resumed and the two spun on the fence. As Mariscal landed punches, he scooped Jackson up and scored a takedown. Chip was on his back but Jackson reversed and nearly got the back himself! Another scramble, the two got to their feet but Jackson was looking for a takedown.
More scrambling ensued, with Mariscal gaining the advantage. Jackson appeared to be barely holding on. When Jackson got to his feet, Mariscal dragged him back to the mat. Jackson may have been tired, but he was very tough, but he was losing the fight. Mariscal controlled the bout with ground-and-pound until the final horn in one of the greatest fights of UFC Vegas 95.
It could have been a nearly perfect night for Chepe Mariscal if he hadn’t been underweight.
Official result: Chepe Mariscal defeats Damon Jackson by decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
