Jason Jackson believes he was disrespected by his placement on last Saturday’s Most Valuable Promotions fight card at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The former Bellator welterweight champion delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the night, knocking out Jeff Creighton in just 22 seconds during the preliminary portion of the card. Despite the quick finish, Jackson’s bout aired on YouTube as part of the prelims, while the main card streamed live on Netflix in what was promoted as the first-ever live MMA event on the platform.
Speaking Monday on The Ariel Helwani Show, Jackson (20-6) expressed frustration over being left off the main card and suggested former UFC fighters appeared to receive preferential treatment from the promotion.
“From what I was kind of taking note, it was just more the UFC fighters that was getting all the (hype), was being more treated like a valuable fighter,” Jackson said. “So maybe I need to go to the UFC and make a statement and then probably come back to MVP and show them I'm a valuable player.”
Jackson, 35, pointed to his résumé as a reason he felt overlooked. Before joining MVP, the Jamaican standout competed in high-profile bouts across Bellator and PFL, including championship fights and main events.
“Because I didn't feel like I was treated like it,” Jackson continued. “And I ain't been on a prelim card since forever. I've been on main event, Bellator, PFL, in championship fights. So for me to be in that position, I was like, 'Wow. This is a disrespect.'”
Jackson’s comments come after a statement-making victory that could strengthen his case for a more prominent role on future MVP cards.
