Damon Jackson shocked by underdog status vs. Chepe Mariscal at UFC on ESPN 61: 'It blows my freaking mind'

LAS VEGAS – Damon Jackson is stunned by the betting lines for his UFC on ESPN 61 co-main event against Chepe Mariscal.

Jackson (23-6-1 MMA, 6-4-1 UFC) is currently tabbed as a +185 betting underdog against Mariscal (16-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who comes back as the -230 favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook for the featherweight matchup on Saturday at the UFC Apex (ESPN, ESPN+).

Given the disparity in high-level experience, Jackson admits he was taken aback when he saw the odds going into fight night.

“The way the fans, the people look at it – I’m the underdog this fight,” Jackson told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “It blows my freaking mind. I’m coming out there and making a statement for sure.”

Jackson, 35, said he understands that hype can give way to slanted betting odds, but he questions if Mariscal is worthy. He thinks his opponent is talented, however, argues he wasn’t deserving of the split decision win he received over Morgan Charriere in his most recent outing at UFC Fight Night 240 in April.

“He’s, ‘The next big thing’ – I’ve heard this story over and over,” Jackson said. “(Movlid) Khaybulaev, Pat (Sabatini) – all these guys. They throw out these names. Like yeah, the kid is good. He’s tough as hell, too, and I know he’s game to fight. I know this is going to be a great fight for the fans and definitely worthy of a co-main or main event spot. It’s a tough fight. I’m not looking past him in any way. Just mentally right now and physically right now, I’m just at a different level and he can’t handle me on the ground.”

Jackson spent much of his media day talking up his strong mental and physical state. He thinks he’s in the midst of his best years right now, and if he wants to achieve his goal of getting ranked opponents and a number next to his name, Jackson is aware he must win this one.

“I think just staying relevant, trying to break into that top 15, top 10 – you have to stay busy,” Jackson said. “There’s no time off. I just feel like at this point in my career, I’m wanting to push it every day because I don’t know how much longer this is going to happen. I just feel so healthy. I feel so good. So I’m going to push it as hard as I can for as long as I can.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 61.