UFC Vegas 67 Odds, Pick & Prediction for Dan Ige vs. Damon Jackson: Value Drifting in UFC Co-headliner (Saturday, January 14)

Dan Ige vs. Damon Jackson Odds

The co-main event for UFC Vegas 67 on Saturday features a fantastic featherweight matchup between Dan Ige and Damon Jackson.

Although Jackson had a rough first go with the UFC nearly a decade ago, the 34-year-old has since seen a resurgence during his second stint with the promotion, going 5-1 while fighting under the Fortis MMA banner.

Ige, on the other hand, has been campaigning toward the very top of the weight class for the last few years, finding himself trying to stop the bleeding of a three-fight losing skid for his troubles.

This contest has all the stakes of a high-caliber crossroads fight, and I wish it were five rounds instead of the scheduled three. That said, forecasting this match from a stylistic perspective could be just as contentious as the betting lines have been.

Tale of the Tape

Despite each combatant carrying different wrestling accolades and Brazilian jiu-jitsu rankings, they're both essentially grappling-based fighters who have been steadily improving their striking.

Jackson, who wrestled at an NAIA level, has traditionally been quick to close distance and crash into clinch space, showing strong looks from the bodylock. Once able to corral opposition toward the cage, Jackson has some reliable takedown tools that allow him to ground his opponent and get his game going from topside.

A purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Jackson parlays his hard-hustling scrambling ability into potential fight-ending positions with little issue.

Although Jackson's footwork and directionality can sometimes get him backing into the cage, he's made some measurable improvements to his striking game.

Not only does Jackson seem to be a bit more aware defensively with his use of a high guard, but the 14-year pro also appears to be smartly focusing on his length, diligently working behind a long jab. And when feeling in stride, Jackson will attack in combination, occasionally punctuating his presence with a hard kick.

Both anti-grappling strikes and range weapons should serve Jackson well against someone of Ige's style and stature, but the Hawaiian fighter carries some kryptonite of his own.

Making marked improvements to his boxing fundamentals and footwork, Ige also works behind a solid jab that he hooks well off of. Ige also has some tricky stance shifts he can close distance with, and he's not shy about going to the body once he's on the inside.

Even though I see Ige's bodywork and uppercuts being effective opposite Jackson's shelling guard, he'll ultimately need to remain disciplined in his grappling defense if he means to top Jackson.

Ige may outrank his foe on paper, but the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has had the propensity to fight from negative positions and is not beyond being timed for a takedown. However, it should be noted that Ige has been working with a lot of high-level Russian and American wrestling talent for his last two training camps in an effort to improve (so I suggest leaving some room to be surprised).

Ige vs. Jackson Pick

Despite initially opening as a +140 underdog, money has come in on Ige, the Hawaiian fighter, who is -125 and with Jackson +100 as of this writing.

Although I have an inherent and admitted bias toward Xtreme Couture fighters (something I always state in my work), I don't disagree with the line movement here.

That said, regardless of my official pick and play, the value from a betting perspective is now trending toward the Jackson side. I'll still be putting my money where my mouth is playing the Ige money line (-120) for just over a unit, but I believe you can find a better line live if you also like the Hawaiian.

Ige may have trained with a lot of high-level talents over the years, but that doesn't change the fact that – in victory or defeat – he tends to give at least one round a fight away, allowing for upwards of four minutes of control time in a single frame.

Should Jackson secure a dominant position in Rounds 1 or and is not showing an immediate ability to finish, you may want to check the live lines for a potential plus number next to Ige's name.

The Pick: Dan Ige live (if plus-money)