Jeremy Stephens makes his long-awaited return to the UFC on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, facing rising Welsh contender Mason Jones at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo. This lightweight bout marks Stephens’ first appearance in the Octagon in over two years, following a successful stint in bare-knuckle boxing and a stop in PFL. For Jones, it’s a chance to solidify his standing in the lightweight division by taking out a seasoned veteran. This Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones clash promises fireworks, with both fighters known for their aggressive styles and knockout power.
Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones Preview
Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens (29-21-0) returns to the UFC after a multi-year hiatus, during which he revitalized his career in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Stephens went 3-0 in BKFC, securing notable victories over Jimmie Rivera, Bobby Taylor, and Eddie Alvarez. His most recent win, a third-round TKO over Alvarez at KnuckleMania V in January 2025, showcased his enduring power and toughness.
At 38, Stephens brings a wealth of experience, with 50 professional MMA fights. Known for his heavy hands and relentless pressure, he’s looking to make a statement in front of his home crowd. However, questions remain about how his bare-knuckle success will translate back to MMA, especially against a younger, dynamic opponent.
Mason “The Dragon” Jones (15-2-0) enters the bout on a four-fight winning streak, racking up four straight wins in Cage Warriors after moving out of UFC in 2022. The 30-year-old Welshman, a former Cage Warriors lightweight and welterweight champion, has enjoyed three of his last four wins via knockout. With a background in both striking and grappling, Jones poses a multifaceted threat to any opponent.
Betting Insights
As of April 29, 2025, the betting odds for the Stephens vs. Jones fight at Sportzino are as follows:
- Mason Jones: -567
- Jeremy Stephens: +400
These odds reflect Jones’ current momentum and the uncertainty surrounding Stephens’ return to MMA after a significant layoff. Bettors are favoring the younger, more active fighter, but Stephens’ knockout power and experience make him an interesting underdog.
Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones Prediction
Jones By Decision (+126)
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Jones has won four straight fights and we should expect him to win here as well.
- While Stephens should struggle in his return to MMA, his toughness should help him go the distance.
This bout is a matchup between a seasoned veteran and an ascending prospect. Stephens’ power and experience are undeniable, and his recent bare-knuckle victories suggest he still has plenty to offer. However, the transition back to MMA, with its additional elements like grappling and kicks, could pose challenges.
Jones, on the other hand, has been active and successful in MMA, showcasing a well-rounded game that could exploit any rust in Stephens’ MMA skills. His reach advantage and youth may allow him to control the distance and pace of the fight.
While Stephens has the power to end the fight at any moment, the smart money is on Jones to utilize his versatility and conditioning to outpoint the veteran over three rounds.
Prediction: Mason Jones via unanimous decision
