MMA Preview – Montel Jackson vs Da’Mon Blackshear at UFC on ESPN 59
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MONTEL JACKSON VS DA’MON BLACKSHEAR FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 59? Sunday 14th July, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 59? Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 59? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 59 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 59? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MONTEL JACKSON VS DA’MON BLACKSHEAR LOWDOWN
Montel Jackson (13-2) heads to Denver for his first appearance of the year hoping to build on a solid four-fight win streak. After losing his UFC debut to Ricky Simon (2018), he has only lost once which was a unanimous decision to Brett Johns (2020). However, he has gone on to TKO Jesse Strader (2021), outpoint JP Buys (2021) and Julio Arce (2022) and is now coming off another knockout which he served to Rani Yahya topping his UFC tally up to 7-2.
Da’Mon Blackshear (14-6-1) also makes his first appearance of the year after a very active 2023. He started the year by losing a unanimous decision to Faris Basharat but responded with a TKO over Luan Lacerda and phenomenal twister submission on Jose Johnson. However, he then ran into bantamweight prospect Mario Bautista losing another unanimous decision taking his UFC record to 2-2-1.
MONTEL JACKSON VS DA’MON BLACKSHEAR PREDICTION
Jackson has looked more impressive so far in his UFC career, but Blackshear has fought some quality fighters and cannot be underestimated. He has also been more active and possesses the skillset to counter Jackson’s strengths.
Jackson is an excellent wrestler and very athletic with rapid hands. Blackshear is also very dynamic and quick on the feet, but what makes this very interesting is that he is also a top grappler. He has the wrestling to compete with Jackson and has better jiu-jitsu, so will oblige in a grappling contest.
We expect both fighters to begin with leg kicks and popping out lightening 1-2’s. Then, we can see both of them initiate the clinch and shoot in for the takedown. This will be a very competitive scrap with a mixture of everything.
In a fight this close on paper, the underdog makes all the sense especially considering Jackson’s only losses have come to fellow grapplers and we have a feeling Blackshear will pull off the upset.
Prediction: Blackshear via Decision
Value Bet: Blackshear to win
