At UFC Rio in Brazil, Montel Jackson battled former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in a competitive bantamweight contest. Jackson displayed crisp boxing and impressive takedown defense through three rounds, keeping the fight close and visibly rocking Figueiredo in the final stanza. However, the judges rewarded the veteran’s forward pressure and grappling, handing Jackson a narrow split decision loss. The result snapped Jackson’s win streak but affirmed his legitimate status among the bantamweight division's top contenders.
The next logical step for Jackson is a matchup with Kyler Phillips. Phillips is a dynamic striker and creative grappler in the top fifteen, most recently competing against Vinicius Oliveira and Rob Font in hard-fought decisions. A bout between Jackson and Phillips would be a compelling test for both men as they look to reassert themselves in the crowded division. Stylistically, Jackson wields powerful punches, superb reach, and a knack for controlling range, while Phillips mixes movement, unpredictable combinations, and a slick submission game.
The pairing promises a fast-paced, technical striking battle with potential for wild scrambles and momentum shifts. For Jackson, it’s a chance to rebound against another ranked threat and jump immediately back into contender conversations. For Phillips, a win offers a signature victory and a clear path toward the division’s upper echelon.
Last Five Fights – Montel Jackson:
1. Loss to Deiveson Figueiredo – Split Decision, UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Gamrot (October 11, 2025)
2. Win over Daniel Marcos – Unanimous Decision, UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo (May 3, 2025)
3. Win over Da’Mon Blackshear – KO (punch), UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez (July 13, 2024)
4. Win over Rani Yahya – KO (punch), UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes (April 22, 2023)
5. Win over Julio Arce – Unanimous Decision, UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira (November 13, 2022)
Last Five Fights – Kyler Phillips:
1. Loss to Vinicius Oliveira – Unanimous Decision, UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 (July 19, 2025)
2. Loss to Rob Font – Unanimous Decision, UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira (October 19, 2024)
3. Win over Pedro Munhoz – Unanimous Decision, UFC 299: O'Malley vs. Vera 2 (March 9, 2024)
4. Win over Raoni Barcelos – Unanimous Decision, UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Font (August 5, 2023)
5. Win over Marcelo Rojo – Submission (triangle armbar), UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2 (February 12, 2022)
A Jackson vs. Phillips matchup is the ideal next step, bringing two skilled, motivated bantamweights together in a fight with major divisional implications.