Ex-UFC titlist lauds Welsh combatant Mason Jones for marring rival's homecoming with a brutal victory.
In a stunning showdown at UFC Des Moines, Mason "The Dragon" Jones (as of 2025) delivered a standout performance, demonstrating his metamorphosis into a formidable lightweight competitor. The Welshman, previously a two-division Cage Warriors champion, left many impressed, including former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medallist Henry Cejudo.
In his comeback fight after a three-year hiatus, Jones faced off against MMA veteran Jeremy Stephens, the hometown favorite making his return to the UFC scene after almost four years away. Jones, who turned to Cage Warriors after an unsuccessful initial UFC debut, stated before the fight that he was determined to display a "clean, crisp" version of himself in Des Moines, Iowa.
And that's precisely what he did. The newly polished Jones earned accolades for his tactical prowess and a high-IQ performance in redemption for his narrow unanimous decision defeat to Ludovit Klein in his last UFC fight in July 2022.
In the contested bout, Stephens, eight years Jones' senior, faced his 20th UFC defeat, equating Clay Guida as the most defeated UFC fighter in history[1]. Meanwhile, Jones, now boasting a four-fight win streak under the Cage Warriors banner, looked like a much-improved version of his former self.
"Great fight" between Jones and Stephens, Cejudo posted on Twitter, remarking that it was a "barn burner through two rounds, high IQ performance put forth by Jones to seal the victory in the third. Fight of the night!"
The aggressive opening round saw Jones landing several nasty leg kicks, while the second round saw both men engaging in heavy exchanges. The decisive third round saw Jones utilizing his grappling skills to control Stephens on the ground, resulting in a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the contest 30-27 in his favor[2].
Post-fight, an unfulfilled hunger for a knockout was evident in Jones' sentiment. "I just want to go out there and destroy people," he stated. "I hit Jeremy with so many big shots and I was wrecking the body. The guy is durable, he's very durable."
Moving forward, Jones aims to stay active with at least two more fights and is targeting a place among the top 15 UFC lightweight division, currently dominated by Paddy Pimblett and Islam Makhachev[2].
Elsewhere at UFC Des Moines, No. 4-ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen solidified his chances for a future shot at Merab Dvalishvili's title with a decisive win against veteran Deiveson Figueiredo[3]. Reinier de Ridder also handed Bo Nickal his first career defeat, dropping the American with a brutal knee in the second round[4].
Enrichment Data:
- Overall: Mason "The Dragon" Jones made waves at UFC Des Moines by continuing his trajectory as a rising lightweight contender, backed by a Cage Warriors legacy that saw him become a two-division champion in 2020[1]. His recent performance demonstrated his evolution as a well-rounded fighter, though specific details of the fight outcome aren't fully detailed in available reports. Below is a breakdown of his background, improvements, and future trajectory:
- Background:
- Champ-Champ Pedigree: Jones replicated Conor McGregor’s Cage Warriors feat by holding two titles simultaneously before joining the UFC in January 2021[1].
- Early UFC Run: He fought four times in his initial UFC stint, gaining experience against higher-level competition before temporarily departing to refine his skills[1].
- Improvements:
- Striking Precision: Described as "slick on the feet" with a calculated approach, Jones has sharpened his striking to complement his grappling base[3].
- Adaptability: His ability to compete across weight classes (lightweight/welterweight) and adjust to opponents’ styles, as seen in his Cage Warriors finishes and UFC fights, highlights his tactical growth[1][3].
- Future Goals:
- Ranked Contenders: Nearing a 15-2 record[2], Jones will likely target ranked lightweights to climb toward title contention.
- Title Aspirations: Emulating McGregor’s UFC two-division success remains a long-term benchmark, though lightweight gold is the immediate focus[1].
- Consistency: Minimizing decision losses (both career defeats by decision)[2] and securing finishes will be critical to maintaining momentum.
Jones’ return to the UFC signals a matured approach, blending his proven finishing ability with strategic patience. With his unique Cage Warriors legacy, he remains a compelling figure in the division’s evolving landscape.
[1] Cage Warriors[2] Sherdog[3] MMA Junkie[4] UFC
In the UFC's return to Des Moines, Mason "The Dragon" Jones, once a two-division Cage Warriors champion, continued his ascension as a prominent lightweight contender. Displaying improvements in striking precision and adaptability, Jones showcased a refined performance that included a three-round victory over MMA veteran Jeremy Stephens. Laser-focused on climbing the UFC ranks, Jones aims to secure a place among the top 15 lightweight competitors, emulating Conor McGregor's UFC two-division success. Post-fight, Jones voiced his continued pursuit of knockouts. Elsewhere at the event, Cory Sandhagen and Reinier de Ridder secured notable victories, setting the stage for future title opportunities.
