It’s the biggest weekend of fights so far this year. Between Friday and Sunday, you’ll have a full slate of action with three shows from as many MMA promotions, one each night.
Your weekend itinerary begins on the campus of Sacramento State University in the Golden State’s capital city, where A1 Combat launches its 2024 slate with A1 Combat 17 and the A1 Combat 17 main event. Friday’s card marks the first event in a new three-year media rights deal between A1 Combat and UFC Fight Pass.
Live coverage of the event begins with undercard fights at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT on YouTube, followed at 10 pm ET/ 7 pm PT on UFC Fight Pass with the main card. All told, barring any late adjustments to A1 Combat 17 between now and Friday night, nine MMA fights will occur from Sacramento State University’s Union Ballroom.
Flyweights Take Center Stage in A1 Combat 17 Main Event Friday
Highlighting the night’s action is a nontitle affair at 125 lbs. in the A1 Combat 17 main event. Jack Duffy (6-0 MMA, 1-0 A1 Combat) will return to the cage for a battle vs. Devon Jackson (3-2 MMA, A1 Combat promotional debut), a veteran of Fury FC.
With no title at stake here, the A1 Combat 17 main event is advertised to have a maximum of three rounds at five minutes per round to close the show. In addition to this being the first show on a new media deal for A1 Combat and Fight Pass, UFC strawweight Cory McKenna (8-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) will serve as an analyst on the commentary team this Friday night alongside Urijah Faber and Jonny Loquasto.
McKenna is due to make her UFC return on March 16 vs. Jaqueline Amorim (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) during a UFC Fight Night at the Apex facility in Las Vegas. That contest will be McKenna’s first in over a year, having last fought in December of 2022 against Cheyanne Vlismas (7-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC).
Another night of fun at @A1combat @BenTheBaneDavis joining the team was great!! pic.twitter.com/wr2keB4gnJ
— Cory Poppins McKenna ☂️ (@CoryMcKenna99) September 8, 2023
A1 Combat 17 Main Event Fighter Comparison and Betting Odds
Heading into the A1 Combat 17 main event on Friday night, Jack Duffy stands as the taller man at 5-foot-7, compared to the 5-foot-5 frame of Devon Jackson. No reach advantage information was accessible online at press time.
As of Thursday evening, the oddsmakers have Devon Jackson installed as a -163 favorite on the money line, with Jack Duffy countering as a +130 underdog. If you plan on betting on this or any other fight happening this weekend, please wager responsibly.
Jack Duffy Hopeful for More Activity in 2024
Jack Duffy enters the A1 Combat 17 main event, having yet to lose thus far in his professional career. He hasn’t fought in almost nine months, having last won by second-round submission (rear-naked choke) versus Narek Avagyan (14-8 MMA, 0-1 A1 Combat) during A1 Combat 10 last April.
Inactivity has been a problem for Duffy of late. Dating back to a postponed bout on March 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic‘s earliest days, he’s seen five out of a possible six fights scrapped for various reasons. The tilt vs. Avagyan was his first since October of 2019.
Jack Duffy’s had too much time on the bench of late. Given that he’s an undefeated prospect, more time in the cage would suffice, and it (hopefully) starts with the A1 Combat 17 main event.
Devon Jackson Ends Six-Month Layoff with Friday’s Headliner
In the other corner, Devon Jackson has posted a record of 3-1 thus far as a pro. Most recently, he saw a three-fight winning streak snapped at the hands of Colton Loud (5-0 MMA) on July 15 in Peak Fighting 30 from Frisco, TX.
After that bout, Jackson had been slated to fight on the undercard of Peak Fighting 32, also from Frisco, but the contest vs. Justin Weaver (1-4 MMA) was postponed ahead of the event for reasons unknown. Friday’s A1 Combat 17 main event is the first appearance for him in slightly over six months.
Analysis, Film Study, and Prediction
Fight fans have a classic strength vs. strength matchup on Friday. Both of these men are known for getting the win inside the distance.
Duffy Slick With Submissions
Statistically, Jack Duffy is adept at getting his opponent to tap out and sleep. Four of his six pro wins have come by way of submission, including his most recent one against Avagyan.
During the second round of a scheduled three, after Duffy nearly finished Avagyan in round one, he threw some kicks at his opponent, with Avagyan responding with a kick of his own. Upon landing a couple of right hands, Avagyan had Duffy stunned, peppering him even further with a left-handed shot.
Duffy retaliated with a takedown, while Avagyan suffered a bloody nose. Later, he executed the slam and clasped his hands under Avagyan’s throat to lock up a rear-naked choke.
If the A1 Combat 17 main event gets to the mat, it’s Jack Duffy’s world. He can apply the torque needed to lock in a submission.
Jackson Can End the Fight in a Hurry
In the other corner, Devon Jackson has the proclivity to make the A1 Combat 17 main event a quick night at the office. His appearance vs. George Martinez during a swing bout at Fury FC 69 last September is bold proof.
All Jackson needed to do that night was clip Martinez with a punch to the head, putting him on the canvas. From there, it was a done deal thanks to a burst of ground and pound shots.
Devon Jackson’s got one-punch power.
Final Thoughts
Even though this fight won’t be for a championship, it’ll still deliver the high drama fans of A1 Combat have come to expect. Make your popcorn early.
Prediction: Jack Duffy by Unanimous Decision.
