Streaking UFC bantamweights went to war at UFC Des Moines as Montel Jackson and Daniel Marcos put their UFC win streaks on the line on Saturday night.
Jackson (14-2) didn’t have much to say at media day opting to keep answers short and sweet. Short and sweet may be the perfect way to describe his last victory an 18-second knockout of Da’Mon Blackshear last July. That win made it 5 consecutive victories coming into Iowa.
Marcos (17-0) hoped to continue his undefeated professional run against Jackson. The Peruvian star was knocking on the door of the top 15 challenging the 15th ranked Jackson. He came off a tough split-decision win over Adrian Yanez last December.
round 1 Jackson started off looking to put some dents in the lead leg of Marcos, but quickly got a takedown and took top position. Marcos was able to hip escape and get back to his feet rather quickly, but Jackson was right on a single leg.
Marcos got away and landed some shots on Jackson who decided he didn’t like getting hit and put him on the fence. Round ended on the feet in a stalemate of sorts as both fighters were still trying to get their rhythm going.
Round 2 Marcos was now the one trying to get the fight to the ground. Jackson did not want to give up the mount so he turned belly down. Marcos tried to take the back, but Jackson went to his back again and worked his way up to his feet.
Marcos continued working takedowns forcing Jackson to be on the defensive for a large part of the round. Jackson was able to get his own wrestling going at the end of the round, but nothing came of it. It also got the crowd going with cellphone lights which we all know is the universal sign for a not-so-fun fight.
Round 3 both men hugged and then got after it amid a sea of boos. Jackson finally started throwing his combinations, but then went in on the clinch playing it safe. The rest of the round was largely a wrestling match which, even though they were in Iowa, wasn’t very fan friendly.
Jackson took Marcos down near the end of the round, locked up a d’arce choke, but Marcos was able to defend and survive the submission. The fight went to the judges.
Official Result: Montel Jackson def. Daniel Marcos via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
