Montel Jackson Record: 15-4-0

Building in the UFC

Jackson answered that early loss in style. In December 2018, he submitted veteran Brian Kelleher with a first-round D'Arce choke, then outpointed Andre Soukhamthath and Felipe Colares by unanimous decision across 2019 and early 2020. A unanimous-decision loss to Brett Johns in July 2020 was a stumble, but Jackson rebounded immediately, blasting out Jesse Strader with a first-round TKO in March 2021 and then grinding past JP Buys on the cards later that year.

Climbing the rankings

The 2022–2025 stretch is where Jackson established himself as a legitimate divisional threat. He outpointed Julio Arce at UFC 281, then strung together a run of highlight-reel finishes—a first-round KO of grappling specialist Rani Yahya in April 2023 and a one-punch first-round KO of Da'Mon Blackshear in July 2024. He capped the surge in May 2025 with a unanimous-decision win over previously unbeaten Daniel Marcos, handing the prospect his first defeat. The momentum was checked by a pair of split-decision losses—to former champion Deiveson Figueiredo in October 2025 and to Raoni Barcelos in April 2026—razor-thin results that underline how tight the margins are near the top of the division.

Fighting style

Jackson is a long, technical striker who weaponizes his reach and frame better than almost anyone at 135 pounds. Eight of his 15 wins have come by KO or TKO and his power is genuine, but he is equally comfortable banking rounds with a measured, jab-led approach—six of his wins have gone to decision. His D'Arce choke of Kelleher shows a real submission game off his length, and notably he has never been finished, with all four of his losses coming on the scorecards. The knock is that his patient, point-conscious style can tip into passivity in close fights, and three of those four defeats were decisions decided by the narrowest of margins.

Career highlights

• Spoiler of unbeaten prospects — handed Daniel Marcos his first professional loss in May 2025, a signature win over a rising contender.
• Knockout power at 135 — first-round KOs of Rani Yahya and Da'Mon Blackshear showcased the finishing ability that makes his length so dangerous.
• Never been stopped — across 19 pro fights, all four of his losses have come by decision, a testament to his durability and defensive grappling.