Greg Jackson, often hailed as the "Swamp Fox of MMA," is a figure of nearly mythical status in the mixed martial arts world. Just as Francis "The Swamp Fox" Marion was known for his unconventional tactics during the Revolutionary War, Jackson has earned a reputation for his innovative thinking and ability to surprise his opponents.
Francis Marion, the original "Swamp Fox"
"I love the mist coming off the trees," Greg Jackson says staring at the early morning fog enshrouding the Georgia pine. "It reminds me of Francis Marion."
His ability to spot flaws in a fighter's game is unparalleled. "You have to continually evolve or perish," he once said. "Chuck got predictable. We noticed that he dropped his left when he threw a right uppercut, so when Rashad saw it coming he did exactly what we practiced. He threw that overhand and found an unprotected chin."
Training with the Troops
Jackson's commitment extends beyond the ring. He spent time at Fort Stewart, Georgia, passing along his knowledge to soldiers in the hopes that he can teach them something that might save their life in combat. The Cotton Baler Battalion, a unit steeped in tradition going back to the War of 1812, treated Jackson to a weapons range. He completed the standard qualification table against an array of pop-up targets.
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After a quick lunch in the mess hall we're on the way to the gym when a nagging issue gets the best of him. "Did you have guys on that WEC card?" our driver, Sergeant Venn asks, referring to the WEC 36 event that got postponed two months due to Hurricane Ike. "Yeah. I don't know how the hell I'm going to get them ready now," Jackson says scratching his beard. "It's tough enough getting a fighter prepared and doing all the things necessary to make sure he peaks at the right time. Then you tell him he has to wait eight weeks and…man that's tough. I don't know how I'm going to do it."
Inside the gym, Jackson's demeanor changes as he teaches the Cotton Balers techniques they can use in combat. Quick chokes, takedowns, and takedown defense comprised the first two hours before transitioning to the ground for the last one. "Forget jiu jitsu," he tells them. "With all that gear you need good old ground and pound."
The Jackson Method
"I can't believe how simple and effective some of these moves are," Captain Reza Shams remarks about the Jackson method for achieving a quick rear choke position. "That's one I'm going to keep with me."
On the mat Jackson sheds his "aw shucks" demeanor and takes charge like a true leader getting down to the most serious business possible-building better fighters and possibly saving lives. It's clear that teaching is what he was born to do. It's an all-consuming passion that fuels his insomnia and forces a daily regimen of energy drinks that makes outsiders cringe.
The impetus for spending his life energy on others is fear. He's afraid of disappointing those who count on him-an act of selfless service that soldiers know well. Two nights prior it wasn't Rashad Evans who Jackson was nervous for. It was Nate Marquardt, who stopped Martin Kampmann in his tracks and ended his nine fight win streak by outstriking a striker. "I would have blamed myself a long time if he hadn't won," Jackson admits. "I always think I could have done more when a fighter loses."
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Walrus Full Guard Anchor by Greg Jackson
The Swamp Fox's Impact
Jackson's harassment of the sport and innovative thinking is no different. But his days of being underestimated are numbered. Evans' KO was the shot heard round the MMA world that brought more attention to The Swamp Fox than he bargained for. Like Randy Couture, who was roundly doubted for coming out of retirement to fight Tim Sylvia, Jackson will find it very difficult to be the underdog after so many upset performances from his stable of fighters. The MMA community will expect more from the man who finds comfort in anonymity and then what will he do?
Jackson's ability to lead an underrated band of devotees and use the cover of his enemy's misplaced confidence to hit and run promotions is reminiscent of Francis Marion's tactics. He refuses to stagnate, constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of MMA.
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