By Jack Latham
A radio package with two interview clips from Callum Gill, who produces content for Combat Sports UK, and Patrick Danna, who has done previous work with the UFC.
All MMA fighters dream of the UFC, but few get a second chance. For Mason Jones he is hoping to grasp his moment.
Mason Jones’ Career
The Blaenavon, Wales-born fighter was released from the UFC in September 2022 after recording only one win in three fights.
Like many martial artists, Jones went through the route of the Cage Warriors promotion in order to chase his dream, eager to impress the UFC hierarchy once more.
The Cage Warriors octagon where Mason Jones made a name for himself in the world of MMA. The crowd will be bigger, and the lights will be brighter come Saturday night, but Jones will be relishing the chance to perform on the biggest stage. (Photo credits: Jack Latham)
Welsh MMA journalist Ben Thomas always knew that Jones would one day return to the promised land.
“Mason’s return to the UFC was always a matter of when, not if.
He has always been a UFC-calibre fighter, and that hasn’t changed; he’s taken on some of Europe’s top talent and shown that there are levels to this sport.”
Jones began his MMA career at the age of 16 under the promotion Grapple and Strike but was forced to wait until he was 21 to fight professionally due to a host of opponent withdrawals.
Setbacks like this could halt even the best of fighters, but Jones wasn’t about to give up that easily; his personality wouldn’t allow it.
Thomas gives more insight into Jones’ character:
“His core principles and style are still there, but when it comes to his mindset, there’s been a noticeable shift.
I think he now has much more belief in himself, and his skill set this time around.”
His first professional bout came in October 2017, where he defeated Shaun Luther via rear naked choke, and what followed was an extraordinary run through the Cage Warriors promotion.
Jones managed an impressive seven-fight winning streak which included four big knockout victories; this high-octane style is what caught the eye of the UFC in the first place.
The most impressive performance on Jones’ resume in Cage Warriors was arguably against Adam Proctor where he won via a first-round knockout. Proctor had previously only lost one bout, so this was a statement victory for Jones.
Thomas describes promotions like Cage Warriors as the ”heart and soul of shaping fighters’ characters.”
Cage Warriors is one of many MMA promotions in Europe and Thomas knows what it means to the fighters:
“The promotion is packed with young, hungry fighters who step into the cage with the sole aim of doing
whatever it takes to win.” (Photo credits: Jack Latham)
This was followed by his first defeat in the UFC to Mike Davis on a unanimous decision. Despite this loss, Jones remained hopeful that he could become the best fighter in the lightweight division, a notion that many share.
“It’s no secret that the UFC’s lightweight division is one of the most competitive within the organisation… so breaking into that group is no easy feat.
However, Mason has always had the potential to achieve great things under the UFC banner, and I believe that, this second time around, he will go on to do just that.”
Cage Warriors
Cage Warriors is the perfect stepping stone to the UFC, especially considering what fighters such as Tom Aspinall and Paddy Pimblett have gone on to achieve after coming through the ranks.
And for Jones this has also been the case after successfully following in the footsteps of other great British mixed martial artists.
The BEC Arena, Manchester, where Jones made his final appearance in Cage Warriors, defeating the Italian Michael
Pagani. Jones dominated the bout across three rounds and came out victorious via a unanimous decision.
This venue was the home for three of Jones’ Cage Warrior fights, whereas he has also fought in Cardiff, Rome, Dublin and London.
(Photo credits: Jack Latham)
But his next test might be his toughest yet, the highly experienced Jeremy Stephens, who has competed in the Octagon against the likes of Jose Aldo and Yair Rodriguez.
Despite his opponent’s superior experience, Thomas is still expecting Jones to showcase an improved skillset and find a path to victory.
“Mason’s best path to victory on Saturday night lies in his striking volume; he averages 5.61 significant strikes per minute compared to Stephens’ 3.17.
I believe Mason will also need to incorporate takedowns to break Jeremy Stephens rhythm… as by going for takedowns Mason can disrupt his flow and drain his opponent’s energy.”
Jeremy Stephens’ Career
Stephens has been inactive in the UFC since his defeat to Mateusz Gamrot in July 2021, where he was cascading on a five-fight losing streak.
He hasn’t let this stop him though and is hoping to resurrect his flailing career against a young, hungry opponent.
Life in the octagon isn’t for the weak, and after a host of losses, it is difficult to retain composure, but for Stephens, he will be hoping his experience can push him through.
After suffering in MMA, Stephens turned to boxing as a form of escape, drawing with the legend Jose Aldo, and being defeated by Chris Avila.
But all great fighters find ways to win, and for Stephens, his success was found in bare-knuckle boxing, securing three consecutive victories over Jimmie Rivera, Bobby Taylor and Eddie Alvarez.
This unfamiliar sport is also on the rise, and for fighters like Stephens, it helps to improve their technical ability before a return to the octagon. Although the Stephens that will show up on Saturday night is still a mystery.
Fight Prediction
“I’m expecting a much slower, more stagnant version of Jeremy Stephens when he returns to the Octagon on Saturday night.
He’s been out of professional MMA for nearly two and a half years and is going up against someone who’s faced some of Europe’s top talent.
That being said, his boxing will still be a threat in the early exchanges, and I still expect a highly motivated Jeremy Stephens with a point to prove – and that always makes for a dangerous opponent.”
Beating a veteran of the sport could set the lightweight division on red alert and could also set an unwanted record for Stephens, who could receive the joint most losses in UFC history with 19.
Past Doubts
But for Jones, his main concern will be putting his past losses behind him and removing any doubts regarding his return.
“I don’t believe he will have any doubts to be honest.
He trains at a great gym, Celtic Pride, who are going from strength to strength, so he’s got no outside distractions for this second stint to be a disaster.”
Venue
Jones’ long-awaited return will take place this Saturday, 3 May at the Wells Fargo Arena in Iowa, where he will attempt to extinguish past demons, and there won’t be many doubting him.
Piece to Camera: https://youtu.be/JC1Dr0PZ-ds
