Ex-UFC titlist applauds Welsh combatant Mason Jones, upsetting rival's homecoming with bloody victory.
Revamped Recap: Mason Jones Slays Veteran Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night
In a thrilling showdown at UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Mason Jones, the young Welsh warrior, emerged victorious against MMA veteran Jeremy Stephens in a unanimous decision. The crowd roared as all judges recorded the score as 30-27, favoring Jones throughout the entire contest[1][3].
The 30-year-old Jones returned to UFC after a three-year hiatus, determined to show a 'clean, crisp' version of himself, and he delivered[4]. Jones' diligence and willingness to enhance his game led him to make a comeback to Cage Warriors following his unsuccessful UFC debut[5].
With Stephens, a hometown favorite returning after nearly four years away from the company, the stage was set for a remarkable encounter. Jones kicked off the fight with a series of punishing leg kicks, setting the tone for their face-off[1]. Both fighters engaged in a brutal exchange of heavy blows in the second round, displaying their inner warriors. When the dust settled, Jones confidently utilized his grappling, dominating Stephens on the ground[1].
Former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist, Henry Cejudo, showered praise on the duel, labeling it a "barn burner" and commending Jones' performance[4]. Despite his disappointment at not securing a finish in the post-fight interview, Jones acknowledged the challenge Stephens posed[1].
Jones, who is now eight years younger, outclassed Stephens—a UFC veteran with 50 fights under his belt—equaling Clay Guida for the most UFC losses[5][6]. On the other hand, the Welshman built up a four-fight win streak under Cage Warriors, showcasing a dramatically improved version of himself[7].
Jones had faced a narrow unanimous decision defeat to Ludovit Klein in his last UFC fight in July 2022, before securing his first UFC win against David Onama nine months prior[5]. His UFC debut and the second bout ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke and a decision loss, respectively[8].
Now, with his sights set on the top 15 UFC lightweight division, which boasts Paddy Pimblett and Islam Makhachev, Jones seeks to accelerate his career[7]. Describing the win as a 'setting stone,' Jones expressed his determination to maintain an aggressive schedule and rise through the ranks[7].
Meanwhile, the main event saw Cory Sandhagen edging out Deiveson Figueiredo with a unanimous decision, bolstering his case for a title challenge against Merab Dvalishvili[6]. Reinier de Ridder dealt Bo Nickal his first career defeat in the co-main event after scoring a stunning knockout in the second round[6].
In light of his impressive victory over MMA veteran Jeremy Stephens, Mason Jones aspires to challenge other top athletes in the UFC lightweight division, such as Paddy Pimblett and Islam Makhachev, showcasing his skills not just in MMA, but also boxing, as sports.
Jeremy Stephens, a veteran of both UFC and MMA, displayed a fierce display of combat against the young Welsh warrior, Mason Jones, in their battle, which was reminiscent of the intensity found in boxing matches.
