The co-main event in the UFC Apex includes two featherweights with an identical goal – to earn a place among the Top 15 in the division. Damon Jackson will face Chepe Mariscal in one of the most exciting bouts on this card. Here is our Jackson vs Mariscal prediction.
Jackson vs Mariscal Prediction: Catchweight Fights Are Always More Fun
Damon Jackson Preview
Damon Jackson, nicknamed “Action,” is 36 years old and has a record of 23-6-1 (1 NC). He has been competing professionally since 2012 and this is his second UFC tenure.
Jackson joined the roster in 2014 but lasted only three fights. He lost his debut to Yancy Medeiros, then had an NC after testing positive for illegal substances, and competed his 3-fight contract with a draw.
A few years later, the UFC gave him a second chance and while his career has hardly peaked, he’s had better performances. He won six of his nine fights since his return, losing only to high-level opponents – Billy Quarantillo, Dan Ige, and the current champion – Ilia Topuria.
What matters is that he won his last fight. In April 2024, he defeated Alexander Hernandez with a hard-fought split decision. Jackson can hardly pass as a technical fighter but he is fun to watch. Fifteen of his 23 wins came via submission.
But he was also knocked out four times in his career and he will face a talented striker. Bookmakers consider him a massive underdog but before we can give our Jackson vs Mariscal prediction, we have to take a closer look at the favorite.
Chepe Mariscal Preview
Chepe Mariscal is another interesting fighter who is one win away from stealing a spot in the Top 15. Few people expected him to last in the promotion when he joined with a 13-6 record.
The American got his chance on short notice last summer against Trevor Peek. Not only did he look good, but he also won. Since then, Mariscal has only continued to impress, picking up two more victories. The last one happened in April, but it was the hardest – a split decision over Morgan Charriere.
Although his background is in Judo, Mariscal prefers to fight standing and has won 7 of his 16 wins via knockout.
Our Damon Jackson vs Chepe Mariscal Prediction: Mariscal Has the Tools to Win
We can explain why both bookmakers and analysts favor Mariscal. His recent performances suggest that he is improving while Jackson has definitely been on the decline, despite his most recent win. Yes, Damon Jackson has the experience but he is 35 years old, which is a considerable age for this division. It is also becoming more and more difficult for him to cut weight.
Jackson will try to take Mariscal down as soon as possible but the latter will not be defenseless on the ground. His background in Judo will play its part on the ground and his knockout potential could also be a deciding factor in each of the three rounds.
The moneyline odds are not great, so we have to pick a different market for our Jackson vs Mariscal prediction. Bet on under 2.5 rounds as both fighters will try to get an early finish on Saturday. Not to mention that this fight was changed to catchweight, so we expect Mariscal to come out in his best shape.
