Dustin Jacoby determined to ‘own the moment’ like Justin Gaethje at UFC 296

Dustin Jacoby maintains unwavering focus on his current assignments, but he also recognizes the importance of introspection.

The psychological aspect of the fight game has become a priority for Jacoby (19-7-1 MMA, 7-4-1 UFC) in recent bouts, particularly after successfully breaking a two-fight losing streak in August by dispatching Kennedy Nzechukwu in just 88 seconds.

“During the fight with Kennedy, I felt no pressure,” Jacoby recently shared on MMA Junkie Radio. “I simply thought, ‘Go out there and have fun. Embrace the moment. Enjoy the audience. Appreciate the opportunity. Cherish the experience.’ Everything went perfectly. Mentally, I was in an excellent state for that training camp and fight night. Right after, I told my coach, ‘If I can achieve that same mindset every time, I might be invincible.’

“Ultimately, it’s all about having the right state of mind. Each fight is unique. You try to replicate and recreate those moments, but it’s impossible. Every moment is distinct. You have to go with the flow, prepare, and hope for the best. I think that’s what I did in my last fight versus Kennedy, and it clearly showed. It was one of my finest performances and a remarkable night.”

In a profession where success is predominantly determined by wins and losses, Jacoby acknowledges the difficulty of staying present and focusing on the process instead of the outcomes. However, he recognizes that when he manages to do just that, the best results often follow.

In order to better understand this mindset, Jacoby adopted the composed demeanor of one of the most electrifying and brutal fighters in UFC history.

“Do you know what inspired me for that fight as well?” Jacoby queried. “The week before, Justin Gaethje fought in Salt Lake City. It was a major pay-per-view event. I remember thinking about those fighters, specifically Gaethje. He goes out there and completely dominates the moment. Nothing else matters. It doesn’t matter how you feel or if you had a rough training camp or didn’t get enough sleep the night before. None of that matters. All that matters is those 15 minutes you have to showcase your skills. I let go of everything and that was the key.”

The 35-year-old Jacoby returns on December 16 at UFC 296 where he will face Alonzo Menifield (14-3-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC), aiming to turn a standalone victory into a two-fight winning streak. With his newfound mental stability, Jacoby exudes confidence and aspires to achieve top 10 status.

“I’m coming off a significant win, but I still feel like I’m backed into a corner,” said Jacoby. “I need to win this fight. I need to maintain my No. 14 ranking and approach 2024 with the mindset of breaking into the top 10 and exploring the opportunities that come with it.”

For more information about the event, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie