In a highly anticipated return to the octagon, Jeremy Stephens faced off against Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines on May 3, 2025, marking his first fight in the UFC since 2021. The atmosphere was electric as the Des Moines native received a hero's welcome, but it was Jones who ultimately played spoiler, claiming victory by unanimous decision after three hard-fought rounds.
Stephens, a seasoned fighter with a record of 29 wins and 22 losses, had been away from the UFC for nearly four years, having spent the intervening time competing in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) where he achieved notable success, including a TKO victory over Eddie Alvarez. His return to the UFC was met with enthusiasm from local fans, who filled the Wells Fargo Arena to support their hometown hero.
On the other hand, Mason Jones entered the octagon looking to make a statement after a successful run in Cage Warriors, where he had amassed four consecutive wins. The Welsh fighter, who was 16-2 at the time, was eager to prove himself in the UFC once again after a challenging first stint that saw him go 1-2.
From the opening bell, it was clear that Jones was determined to showcase his skills. He started strong, establishing his striking early on and controlling the pace of the fight. Despite being eight years younger than Stephens and having significantly fewer fights under his belt, Jones's combination of speed and technique allowed him to dictate the action, landing effective strikes and avoiding damage.
Throughout the first round, Jones employed a varied striking arsenal, including kicks and jabs that kept Stephens at bay. The veteran fighter, known for his knockout power, struggled to find his rhythm as Jones continued to press forward. By the end of the first round, it was evident that Jones had gained the upper hand.
As the second round unfolded, Stephens attempted to rally, landing a few solid shots that bloodied Jones. However, Jones quickly regained control, using his grappling to neutralize Stephens's offense. The round ended with Jones on top, nearly securing a submission but running out of time.
The third round saw Jones continue to apply pressure, utilizing his grappling to keep Stephens on the defensive. He executed a series of takedowns and maintained dominant positions, preventing Stephens from mounting any significant offense. The crowd's cheers for their hometown fighter echoed throughout the arena, but it was clear that Jones was in control.
After three rounds of intense action, the judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Mason Jones, with all three judges returning a score of 30-27. This victory improved Jones's record to 17-2 and marked a significant milestone in his career as he reestablished himself in the UFC.
Post-fight, Jones expressed his thoughts on the match, stating, "I just want to go out there and destroy people and I hit Jeremy with so many big shots and I was wrecking the body … I felt like I could’ve finished him. The guy is durable, he’s very durable." His performance certainly lived up to expectations, and with this win, he has positioned himself for potential future matchups against higher-ranked opponents.
For Jeremy Stephens, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. This fight marked his return to the UFC after a long absence, and it was a chance to revive his career in the spotlight. However, with this defeat, he now ties the record for the most losses in UFC history, sitting at 19, and his overall record stands at 29-22. Despite the setback, Stephens remains a fan favorite, and his willingness to engage in exciting fights keeps him relevant in the sport.
Reflecting on the fight, Stephens shared, "I knew I had to put on a show for my hometown. It’s been a long road back, and while I didn’t get the result I wanted, I’m grateful for the support of everyone here tonight." His resilience and fighting spirit were evident, and fans will likely continue to rally behind him as he seeks to bounce back.
As the night concluded, UFC Des Moines proved to be a memorable event, showcasing the talent and determination of both fighters. With the promotion's first event in Des Moines, it set the stage for future bouts in the city, and fans are eager to see what comes next. As for Mason Jones, his victory opens up exciting possibilities in the lightweight division, while Jeremy Stephens's journey is far from over.
Looking ahead, the UFC will undoubtedly continue to explore matchups that keep fans engaged, and with fighters like Jones and Stephens at the forefront, the future of the lightweight division remains bright.
