6. Damon Jackson
Jackson joins the PFL organization on the heels of winning seven of his last eight fights. The Legacy Fighting Alliance champion’s only loss during that stretch came to the heavy-handed Kevin Aguilar. “The Leech” is a huge featherweight who has competed often as a lightweight. The 30-year-old presses a heavy pace. He does a good job of keeping his opponent on the end of his punches and relies on a strong kicking game, though he often makes the mistake of not setting up kicks and leaving himself open for counters. He also displays “tall man’s defense,” keeping his chin high while backing straight up when being attacked. The Fortis MMA standout is a former NAIA All-American wrestler and uses his grappling well. He sets up his entries behind his striking or when his opponent overpursues on an attack. He is quite good at finding a submission if it presents itself, as 12 of Jackson’s 16 wins have come by way of tapout. With his long-range striking, high-level wrestling, slick submission game and deep gas tank, Jackson enters the competition as a dark horse to win the entire season.
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