Octagon newcomer David Onama found himself paired up with Wale’s Mason Jones at UFC Vegas 41.
Onama was stepping up on short notice in the fight, which was originally to feature Alan Patrick. Jones and Patrick had fought to a No Contest back in June after an accidental eye poke ended their night early.
In Onama, the UFC had a promising but young prospect; Jones, meanwhile, was looking for his first UFC win but was a very dangerous out for the newcomer.
There was no feeling out for Jones as he took it to Onama early throwing combinations. Onama landed a good jab but Jones came right back with a barrage of output having Onama curl up a bit. Onama was not able to get back into the fight and Jones was able to score a takedown. Onama, with Jones on his back, was able to get back to his feet but Jones kept tearing him back down to the mat. Jones passed into the mount and took the back but Onama turned towards him and scrambled back to the feet. Both guys were trading heavy leather in the final minute of the round. Jones landed nice combinations and Onama was firing back right away to end the round.
Both guys getting cracked early! 🤯 #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/rhgCCrRlT0
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Both guys continued right away in round two, throwing constant volume. Jones was looking good landing to the body-head and Onama was finding his range. Jones mixed it up and was able to take Onama back down. The Welshman immediately took the back but again Onama escaped and got back to the feet. Onama responded marching forward landing straight punches backing Jones up, forcing him to cover up. Onama landed a nasty right hand snapping the head back of Jones but Jones kept coming forward. Jones again closed the distance and landed another takedown, easily transitioning into a dominant position. Jones ended the round on the back of Onama.
Got the call on short notice, but David Onama is throwing BOMBS 👊 #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/yDVXgHj6VO
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Onama asserted himself right away in round three, and landed several long punches. He went off on a combination all landing on the chin of Jones. Jones responded by changing levels and hitting a beautiful double leg takedown. Right into the mount Jones went, and threatened with an arm-triangle. Onama continued to fight to get to his knees, and Jones threw him right back down. Onama scrambled yet again to get to his feet but Jones was relentless and took him back down. With a minute left Onama scrambled and got back to his feet. The fight ended with Jones throwing Onama on his head and Onama landing a barrage of strikes.
ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR THESE TWO!!!! 👏👏👏
Nonstop action from bell to bell. #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/KYeNhlbv9b
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Jones took the decision in the end. But Onama’s performance showed a ton of heart — and a ton of potential.
Official Result: Mason Jones def. David Onama by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
