For Jason Jackson, his Bellator welterweight title shot was earned not given.
Jackson (16-4 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) challenges 170-pound champion Yaroslav Amosov (27-0 MMA, 8-0 BMMA) in the main event of Bellator 301 on Nov. 17 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Jackson has won six straight fights en route to a title shot, including victories over Benson Henderson, Neiman Gracie, Paul Daley, and former champion Douglas Lima. Jackson takes confidence in knowing that he had to fight his way to the top.
“I had to work and earn my title shot and when I go out there, a man who earned his way here is not just going to give it all up,” Jackson told MMA Junkie Radio. “You have to kill me to get it from me because it wasn’t given to me, and I’m not going to take it for granted.
“So, if they think I’m just going to come lay down, I’m definitely getting my hand raised and I’m going to put every single thing into it that I have. I’m dedicated, I’m motivated. I have beaten champions, former champions, former UFC guys, so it just tells you that I belong here. I have earned my way here.”
Jackson knows dethroning Amosov will be a tall order considering the Ukranian fighter has never lost. He rates Amosov amongst the best 170-pounders regardless of promotion.
“Yaroslav is one of the best welterweights on this planet, if not the best welterweight on the planet,” Jackson said. “The record he brings to the table and the skillset, he knows how to win fights. He’s been fighting for a while. He fought a lot of tough guys. So, I will say he’s up there in the rankings.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 301.
Jason Jackson before Bellator 301: Yaroslav Amosov ‘one of the best welterweights on this planet’