Rust from a 14-month layoff, wear and tear from a long distinguished career and 20 extra pounds conspired against Quinton Jackson, and he still persevered.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight titleholder improved his Bellator MMA record to 4-0 with a split decision over 2008 Olympic gold medalist Satoshi Ishii in the Bellator 157 main event on Friday at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Judges Sal D’Amato and Robin Veale scored it for Jackson, 29-28 and 30-27, while Ross Swanberg saw it 29-28 for Ishii.
Early returns were not positive for Jackson.