Bellator King Jason Jackson Yearns to Bring Combat Sports Back to Jamaica

Jason Jackson has been taken all over the world throughout his 12-year career. The Bellator MMA welterweight champion recently fought in Saudi Arabia and will visit Ireland for the first time when he defends his title against Ramazan Kuramagomedov on Saturday at 3Arena in Dublin.

Jackson loves to experience new cultures and lands, but as the 33-year-old settles into his reign, there’s one place above all that the champ wants to go: Home.

Jamaica consistently produces excellent fighters but hasn’t seen a significant combat sporting event since George Foreman fought Joe Frazier in 1973. Although 51 years can feel like an eternity, Jackson believes he should be the fighter who brings combat back to Jamaica.

“It’s what I dream about,” Jackson told Sherdog.com. “I’ve talked about this a million times. Let’s bring MMA to Jamaica because my dream is to become bigger than Conor McGregor where I could go put a stadium in Jamaica and help the youth.”

Jackson is from Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city and one of the most dangerous places in the world. Violence and crime are high in his hometown, and the city could benefit from a positive influence. Jackson has spoken to Bellator and Professional Fighters League heads throughout his career about Jamaica hosting a fight, but no plans have been discussed.

“I try to keep a little more positive,” Jackson told Sherdog.com. “I want to keep a clean air and clear mind. I’ll listen to reggae music and try to uplift myself in any way possible.”

If Jackson (18-4) defeats the undefeated Kurmagomedov, he could set himself up to be one of the organization’s biggest stars. “The Ass-Kicking Machine” has conqured eight fights in a row, and he doesn’t care how long it takes; he won’t give up on his mission.

“I want to bring joy back to the country by bringing martial arts,” Jackson said. “More opportunity will come about where schools can be developed off MMA. That’s my dream, and I’ll always put it out in the universe.”