Jason Jackson is relishing the opportunity to add yet another belt to his long list of accolades.
The former Bellator welterweight champion, Jackson (18-5), is set to face Andrey Koreshkov (28-5) in the opening round of the 2025 PFL World Tournament next week. This will be his first outing since losing his belt to Ramazan Kuramagomedov last June.
Having been on an eight-fight winning streak prior to that bout, "The Ass Kicking Machine" could be forgiven for feeling a little sorry for himself after that unanimous decision defeat in Dublin, Ireland. However, the Jamaican insists that he didn't struggle to process the loss.
"Absolutely not", said Jackson in an exclusive interview with Fighters Only this week. "I just went back to the drawing board, did some reassessment and held myself accountable and moved forward".
A Huge Test Awaits Jackson On April 3rd
Jackson's first test upon his return to action next week is a fellow former Bellator title-holder in Andrey Koreshkov, a seasoned veteran who holds wins over star names such as Douglas Lima, Benson Henderson and Lorenz Larkin.
The Russian is regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, but having watched Korshkov closely over the past few years, Jackson knows isn't taking his opponent lightly.
"Well, this guy is dangerous, I tell you", Jackson said of Koreshkov. "I can't sleep on him because you know, he's like a cheetah - one spin sets up something nasty and then it's 'lights out'. He's been around around for a long time. I don't think he's old, but his body definitely been around the block for a while now so he got plenty of experience. So, you know those are things that I gotta take in consideration. But it's just like any other opponent, you know I'm just gonna do what I do best, that is to do MY best. Nothing less, nothing more, just my best".
Jackson Aiming To Collect Another Belt
Prior to signing with Bellator, Jackson picked up titles in organizations such as Titan FC and LFA. He also beat Ray Cooper to win the welterweight 'super fight' belt at the PFL vs. Bellator event in Dubai early last year.
The idea of collecting another strap by winning the PFL 2025 world tournament (and the $500,000 prize that comes with it) is something that excites the 34-year-old.
"Oh man, I get goosebumps just thinking about winning this tournament",says Jackson. "Get the championship prize and the belt that comes with it. Once I get that belt, it will show you that I did not lose my last fight and I rewrite that mistake. And that's why I'm so happy to be here. Cash and the opportunity to challenge whoever holds the PFL title, that's the ultimate goal".
Jason Jackson takes on Andrey Koreshkov in the main event at PFL World Tournament: First Round which goes down at Universal Studios, Florida on April 3rd.
