Cage Warriors double-champ Mason Jones made his octagon debut at UFC Fight Island 8. The highly touted prospect was a perfect 10-0 ahead of his clash with Mike Davis on Wednesday. He’d also claimed lightweight and welterweight gold under the Cage Warriors banner, having fought nearly the entirety of his career then.
With obvious comparisons to the likes of Conor McGregor, himself a double-champ prior to the UFC, a lot of eyes would be on “The Dragon” on Wednesday.
Davis came out confident early, landing a big outside leg kick and letting his hands go. Davis was slipping and ripping with combinations very well as Jones was pressing forward. Briefly, Davis did get a takedown. Jones was attacking the calf kick more and more and his pressure was frustrating Davis, having him shooting for failed takedowns. Davis looked tired as the round wore on, and Jones kept pouring it on. Again Davis secured a takedown, only briefly. The round ended as Davis landed a nasty flying knee right on the chin of Jones. Jones took it like a champ though.
A strong first round, in a fight that turned out to be wildly entertaining. Jones started round two landing the jab before Davis swept him with a calf kick. Davis was still throwing but was visibly tired and Jones was landing more and more. Davis managed to fire off some crisp combinations mixing it up. Excellent boxing was on display on behalf of both men. As the round progressed Jones was just pressing Davis against the cage with volume and pressure. Davis as he had done all fight long answered with combinations. To end the round Davis landed a head kick, but Jones ended the round on top. We’ve got a fire fight right here.
Furious pace from these two at #UFCFightIsland8! ⚡️
Predictions for RD 3? pic.twitter.com/bccT8hGuJS
— UFC (@ufc) January 20, 2021
Right away in round three both men went right back at it just letting everything go. The story of the fight had been the pressure of Jones, and he kept in going in round three. Davis continued to throw in volume when he decided to throw, and was mixing it up better. Jones did finish the fight strong pressing Davis against the cage and landing his shots. But the durable Jones got the nod from the judges in a close fight that lived up to the hype — even if Davis spoiled the debut of Mason Jones.
Official Result: Mike Davis def. Mason Jones by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
