Mike Jackson set to return, faces UFC newcomer Dean Barry – fight rescheduled for May 1st event
Mike Jackson is back!!!!
Returning from a 32-month hiatus, Mike Jackson has agreed to fight debuting Irishman Dean Barry in a welterweight scrap at a UFC event on May 1. The fight was originally meant to take place on January 20, but Dean announced on his social media that Mike had pulled out the fight with a disclosed reason.
Jackson (1-1), a fighter and a journalist, has only stepped inside the cage twice as a professional, both times in the UFC. In February 2016, he was the first UFC opponent for Dana White’s Lookin’ for A Fight new signee Mickey Gall, and he lasted just 45 seconds before being submitted. Two years later, he was choose to fight former pro wrestling star Phil “CM Punk” Brooks, and he won by unanimous decision to drop Punk’s MMA record to 0-2. That was the most recent appearance for Jackson, and shortly after Punk it appears he has retired from professional MMA.
Its very surprising to see Jackson back in the UFC – after Dana criticised his performance heavily last time out, he was surely done in the promotion.
“Michael Jackson, I’m not happy with,” White said at the UFC 225 post-fight press conference in June 2018. “This guy was acting like a goofball tonight. You get this opportunity to fight CM Punk and you’re doing like bolo punches to the body on top? Never looked like he was trying to finish the fight ever, right? Looked like he could have finished the fight a few times. Never tried.
Barry signed with the UFC in November last year. Off to a strong start in his professional MMA career – his record currently stands at 3-1. He comes from an accomplished kickboxing background, and all three of his wins have come by way of first-round knockout. He currently trains out of Straight Blast Gym Charlestown in Dublin.
Barry last competed in August at UAE Warriors 13 in Abu Dhabi when he knocked out Abdulla Al Bousheiri in 4:30.
