Career Averages - Bolaji Oki
Career Averages - Mason Jones
Bolaji Oki
Mason Jones
Bolaji Oki - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 84 of 170 | 49% | 108 of 196 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
| Manoel Sousa | 2 | 71 of 179 | 39% | 86 of 196 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 20 of 26 | 76% | 42 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:51 |
| Manoel Sousa | 1 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 23 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:59 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 32 of 72 | 44% | 34 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Manoel Sousa | 0 | 13 of 66 | 19% | 15 of 68 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 32 of 72 | 44% | 32 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Manoel Sousa | 1 | 48 of 92 | 52% | 48 of 93 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 84 of 170 | 49% | 42 of 111 | 28 of 44 | 14 of 15 | 62 of 143 | 17 of 19 | 5 of 8 |
| Manoel Sousa | 71 of 179 | 39% | 48 of 150 | 16 of 21 | 7 of 8 | 62 of 161 | 8 of 14 | 1 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 20 of 26 | 76% | 8 of 14 | 9 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 12 of 12 | 5 of 7 |
| Manoel Sousa | 10 of 21 | 47% | 8 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 4 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 32 of 72 | 44% | 16 of 49 | 11 of 18 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 65 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 1 |
| Manoel Sousa | 13 of 66 | 19% | 7 of 56 | 4 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 61 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 32 of 72 | 44% | 18 of 48 | 8 of 17 | 6 of 7 | 31 of 71 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Manoel Sousa | 48 of 92 | 52% | 33 of 76 | 10 of 11 | 5 of 5 | 46 of 88 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Manoel Sousa, praising his incredible aggression, power, and pace. He notes that Bolaji Oki is a dangerous striker but fades significantly, and Sousa can go a full 15 minutes. He also mentions Sousa's win over Mauricio Ruffy and believes the UFC will invest in him.
Big Brady picks Manoel Sousa to win by third-round knockout. He likes Sousa's pressure style, power, and gas tank, and questions Oki's chin and durability. He notes Oki has been hurt and slowed down in fights, and believes Sousa will break him as the fight goes on. He acknowledges Oki has a path via wrestling but doubts he can maintain it for 15 minutes.
Cody picks Sousa, citing his technical striking and power. He notes Oki's poor cardio and decision-making. He thinks Sousa will catch Oki as he tires.
Connor also picks Oki, emphasizing that Sousa has learned all the wrong things and lacks defensive acumen. He notes that Oki is fearless and a fantastic athlete, while Sousa is designed to snipe opponents who are afraid of him. Connor believes Oki's functional rawness will prevail over Sousa's flawed style.
James picks Manoel Sousa to win by knockout, citing his power, pace, and pressure. He notes Oki's questionable chin and tendency to gas out after a fast start. He acknowledges Oki's grappling upside but believes Sousa's relentless style will overwhelm him.
The host picks Sousa to win by knockout but is hesitant about the high price. He believes Sousa's Muay Thai and power will eventually land on Oki, but acknowledges Oki's own power and the possibility of an upset. He would prefer the line closer to -185 and suggests waiting for better odds. He notes that Sousa's grappling improvement and learning from the Perez fight will help him keep the fight standing.
Paul picks Sousa, noting his power and technical striking. He thinks Oki's cardio and ring IQ are issues. He expects Sousa to win by knockout.
The Guru picks Manoel Sousa, citing his crafty veteran experience from Bellator and his ability to work into fights. He notes that Oki is explosive but fades after the first round, and that Sousa has the durability and finishing ability to take over in later rounds. He predicts a TKO in round 2 or 3.
Zane picks Bolaji Oki, noting that Sousa is a raw fighter with poor defense and a tendency to lunge in without setup. He believes Oki's athleticism and fearlessness will overwhelm Sousa, who struggles against aggressive opponents. Zane compares the fight to Oki's bout with Timmy Kwamba, where Oki's functional rawness outperformed Kwamba's flawed style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 1 | 38 of 99 | 38% | 40 of 101 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 57 of 136 | 41% | 67 of 147 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 1 | 29 of 73 | 39% | 31 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 20 of 57 | 35% | 25 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:16 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 9 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 37 of 79 | 46% | 42 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 38 of 99 | 38% | 26 of 76 | 8 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 14 |
| Mason Jones | 57 of 136 | 41% | 52 of 128 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 23 of 84 | 2 of 3 | 32 of 49 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 29 of 73 | 39% | 21 of 61 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 14 |
| Mason Jones | 20 of 57 | 35% | 17 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 12 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 10 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 9 of 26 | 34% | 5 of 15 | 2 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 37 of 79 | 46% | 35 of 77 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 39 |
Angelo slightly leans towards Mason Jones, citing his superior wrestling and ability to frustrate Oki with a busy jab. He notes that Oki struggles when backing up and that Jones' offensive takedowns are better. He calls it a competitive fight but thinks Jones' wrestling gives him the edge.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki in a close fight, citing Oki's high volume and power. He questions Mason Jones' fight IQ, noting he didn't grapple when he should have. He expects the fight to stay standing and go to a split decision, with Oki landing the bigger shots.
Connor also picks Jones, agreeing that Oki is undercooked and that Jones's fully formed game can handle a variety of opponents. He notes that Oki's technique falls apart when the fight gets out of control, and Jones will exploit that. He sees Jones as a much more reliable fighter at this level.
The host acknowledges the fight is a potential fight of the night contender and notes the odds are shifting towards Oki. However, he picks Jones due to his experience and ability to mix up the game better. He expects Jones to land more damage, outgrapple Oki, and win on the scorecards as the fight goes into deeper waters.
The Guru picks Mason Jones, acknowledging Oki's speed and power but noting Jones' granite chin and grinding style. He believes Jones' grappling and cardio will wear Oki down as the fight progresses. He predicts a 29-28 decision, with Jones losing the first round but taking over in the second and third.
Zane picks Mason Jones because he is a known quantity with a durable, aggressive style that will test Oki's inexperience. He notes that Oki has physical talent but poor footwork and decision-making, and that Jones will turn the fight into a brawl where Oki is uncomfortable. He believes Jones's wrestling and durability will be key.
Angelo picks Marquel Mederos as an underdog, citing his cleaner striking technique and defensive soundness. He believes Mederos can use his jab to get through Bolaji Oki's guard and that Oki's power and speed will be less effective as he slows down. He also mentions a potential plus 3.5 round spread bet.
Big Brady likes Bolaji Oki's volume and power, noting his strong performance against Chris Duncan before getting caught in a guillotine. He criticizes Marquel Mederos for close fights against lower-level opponents like Lanni Quinonez and Austin Hubbard, and believes Oki can out-strike and potentially out-grapple Mederos. He picks Oki by decision.
The MMA Guru picks Marquel Mederos as an underdog, citing his versatility in multiple ranges (clinch, inside, distance) compared to Bolaji Oki who is primarily effective at range. He notes Mederos' composure and Oki's occasional overzealousness. He predicts a TKO in later rounds or a decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 136 of 303 | 44% | 136 of 303 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 118 of 309 | 38% | 118 of 309 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 36 of 92 | 39% | 36 of 92 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 24 of 84 | 28% | 24 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 54 of 108 | 50% | 54 of 108 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 42 of 100 | 42% | 42 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 46 of 103 | 44% | 46 of 103 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 52 of 125 | 41% | 52 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 136 of 303 | 44% | 92 of 243 | 36 of 48 | 8 of 12 | 135 of 300 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 118 of 309 | 38% | 92 of 270 | 19 of 29 | 7 of 10 | 117 of 305 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 36 of 92 | 39% | 23 of 75 | 9 of 11 | 4 of 6 | 36 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 24 of 84 | 28% | 16 of 72 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 24 of 84 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 54 of 108 | 50% | 31 of 77 | 19 of 25 | 4 of 6 | 53 of 106 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 42 of 100 | 42% | 35 of 87 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 42 of 98 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 46 of 103 | 44% | 38 of 91 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 46 of 102 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 52 of 125 | 41% | 41 of 111 | 10 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 51 of 123 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oki (-375), Aswell (+300)
Round 1
Ever the internationally focused organization, where else can one find a tried-and-true Texan throwing down with a “Zulu Warrior” from Belgium? Right here in the Octagon is where it’s at, as “The Texas Kid” Aswell (10-2, 0-0 UFC) has made it to the promotion after riding the wave of Fury FC for a few years. He meets Oki (9-2, 1-1 UFC), who would like nothing more than to punch a hole in Aswell’s chest a la Ray Longo. The third man in the cage for this lightweight affair will be referee Herb Dean, who clocks the two in as they bump fists. It’s off to the races for these two, who quickly engage quickly with stern right hands. Oki sinks down a heavy low kick, and the two crash together. Oki backs off and pushes out a few jabs, and he swings a leg kick that makes him topple over. Aswell cannot reach him before he recovers, but he does walk Oki down and try to nail him with a right hand. Instead, it is Oki who clubs Aswell, with a nasty right hand followed by a left to the body. Oki does this again, walking through Aswell’s hammers that are swinging at the same time. Aswell calms himself down to toss out a few calf kicks, and he dodges a hook to clip Oki with a right hand. Oki shows no ill effects, and Aswell walks him down with his jab outstretched. Oki drills Aswell on the temple with a straight right hand, and Aswell busts him in the chops and may have hurt him for a second as Oki retreats. It does not take long for Oki to get back to lobbing bombs, and he mixes in a few body shots but gets popped on the way out. These two are trading effectively and flush on one another, and their chins are holding up at the three-minute mark but the pace may not be maintainable as they continue. The right hand from Oki splits a cut on the corner of Aswell’s left eyebrow, with the blood leaking into his eye slightly but not hampering his sight. Aswell still nails Oki with heavy hands, setting them up with jabs and knocking him back with a pair of rights. Aswell connects with another right, walks through a jab and fires off a right hook. Oki snaps his head back with a long jab, and his left hook to the belly finds its home a couple times. Both lightweights land hard at the end of the round, with Aswell knocking Oki back a step and possibly stealing the round with one concussive blow.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aswell
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aswell
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aswell
Round 2
A glove touch prompts the lightweights to get right in front of one another and punch. Oki backs him off with a step-in knee and tries to chain a high kick into it, but it is Aswell who stands firm and punches him square in the stomach. Oki sits down on big punches, but Aswell is able to roll with them just enough to not get his chin checked. Oki times another knee when Aswell steps in, and he slips back and tags Aswell as Aswell rushes at him. Oki measures several more body shots, and Aswell busts him in the chops with a right hand. Aswell fires off another right hook that snaps the head to the side, and Oki sticks his tongue out and puts three fists on Aswell’s face in rapid succession. Aswell lands a few punches, and Oki spins with a back kick to the belly. Aswell connects with two punches and is out of the way before getting countered, and he steps in and bops Oki in the chops with a left. Oki knocks him back thanks to his power punches, and he works a left to the ribs and a right up top. They both land at the same time, and Oki dodges an elbow to send Aswell retreating. Oki chains a knee into a right hand, and Aswell is tough as nails but is standing still when Oki puts hands on him. Aswell goes for two, and Oki’s lead jab and check hook to the damage. Oki knees his foe again, and he trips as he swings for the fences and recovers quickly. Oki takes a low kick on the calf and drills Aswell with a short combo, forcing the Texan to ricochet off the wall. Oki’s right hand further pounds Aswell on the jaw, and he jumps forward with a knee that flies past his foe on the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Round 3
One final glove touch kicks off the last round, and Oki starts off quickly with a jab and a chin-shaking right hand. Aswell displays near otherworldly durability as Oki is not taking it easy on him, but it is Oki in the driver’s seat. The power is substantially in his favor, and he has Aswell reacting to his strikes while he largely shrugs off the ones coming back his way. Even with Aswell’s likely higher volume, the right and left hooks from Oki are far more impactful. A few such hooks land on the chin, and Oki eats a counter, pats himself on the head to ask Aswell to bring it on and throws back. Oki leads off with his left hook, and three punches of his back Aswell up to the fence. Oki continue to chase after his opponent as Aswell is in retreat mode now, and he keeps his guard high to let Aswell’s swings bounce off him. Oki takes a hard right hand, and when Aswell doubles up his jab, Oki smiles at him and asks for more. Aswell obliges, but not before Oki clips him again hard. The strike totals are sky-high in this fight and the numbers are likely quite close, but Oki has figured out how to put volume together while still hitting Aswell harder than he gets hit back. Oki marks up Aswell’s left eye with his power right hand, and Aswell is looking for answers as his mighty swings seem to have no effect on the Belgian. Oki walks into and through a right hand, and he winds up with three hearty swings that bounce Aswell’s head around. Oki is determined to swing it out to the bell, and he does just that.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
The Official Result
Bolaji Oki def. Michael Aswell via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Matt picks Bolaji Oki to win by decision. He highlights Oki's power punching and ability to maintain his gas tank over three rounds, while Aswell is a basic pressure fighter moving up a weight class on short notice. He expects Oki to land the more eye-catching shots and win on the scorecards, noting Aswell's durability but lack of power.
Angelo picks Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady because of his relentless pressure and ability to maintain pace, while Bolaji Oki tends to slow down as fights go on. He notes that Al-Selwady had a full camp and is a pressure striker who mixes in takedowns. He acknowledges that Oki is a tough opponent with a good jab and fast sprawls, but believes Al-Selwady's cardio and pressure will be the difference.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 29 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:11 |
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 29 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:11 |
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 28 of 50 | 56% | 25 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 3 |
| Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 28 of 50 | 56% | 25 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 3 |
| Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Chris Duncan as an underdog. He believes Duncan's willingness to stand in the pocket and pump a jab non-stop will frustrate Oki, who has defensive issues and gets hit often. Duncan's durability and ability to survive being dropped are key factors. Angelo notes he might sprinkle a small bet if Duncan's line becomes a bigger underdog.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki but is hesitant due to Chris Duncan's poor striking defense (49%) and tendency to walk into shots. He notes Oki has power and could hurt Duncan, but thinks the fight could be close and competitive. He expects Oki to win by decision, possibly dropping Duncan at some point.
Cody leans towards Duncan as an underdog, citing Oki's questionable cardio and takedown defense. He notes that Duncan has wrestling and can take Oki down, potentially tiring him. However, he acknowledges Oki's power and the risk of getting knocked out. He doesn't plan to bet heavily.
Cody picks Bolaji Oki as his tournament play, highlighting his physicality, power, and early knockout potential. He notes Oki is minus 105 to win inside the distance and that Chris Duncan has been badly hurt in past fights. Cody believes Oki is a more technical and powerful striker with better durability, making him a sneaky tournament target at 8.8k.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Oki is a much cruder fighter despite being a better athlete. He thinks Duncan's experience and ability to game plan will be key. Connor also mentions that Duncan has shown flexibility in his approach, which should help him avoid Oki's early power.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bolaji Oki to win by knockout. He thinks Oki is much faster and more powerful on the feet, and that Duncan is hittable and slow. He notes Oki's good takedown defense and counter-striking. He expects Oki to hurt Duncan and finish him, possibly with body shots.
JP picks Bolaji Oki because of his power and nine-fight win streak. He notes Oki has never been finished and Chris Duncan has been KO'd by Slava Claus and submitted by Manuel Torres, which he views as poor performances. JP believes Oki's power will be too much for Duncan.
Paul leans towards Oki, believing his power will eventually catch Duncan, who has a questionable chin. He notes that Oki's takedown defense is a concern, but Duncan's wrestling isn't elite. He expects Oki to land a knockout at some point, though he's not confident enough to bet heavily.
The MMA Guru picks Bolaji Oki over Chris Duncan, citing Oki's superior speed and fluidity. He notes that Duncan is slow for the division and hasn't impressed, while Oki looked technical in his UFC debut. He predicts Oki will land more damaging shots and win by decision.
Zane picks Duncan as an experience pick, noting that Duncan is reasonably well-rounded and can game plan. He thinks Duncan can lean on wrestling or aggressive striking to pressure Oki. However, he acknowledges Duncan has meltdown potential, but Oki doesn't have a grappling threat to trouble Duncan.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 60 of 152 | 39% | 61 of 157 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 33 of 94 | 35% | 35 of 96 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 29 of 61 | 47% | 30 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 9 of 43 | 20% | 9 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 13 of 23 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 21 of 66 | 31% | 21 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 13 of 30 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 60 of 152 | 39% | 51 of 139 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 5 | 58 of 145 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 3 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 33 of 94 | 35% | 20 of 67 | 8 of 14 | 5 of 13 | 26 of 86 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 29 of 61 | 47% | 24 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 28 of 56 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 3 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 9 of 43 | 20% | 5 of 30 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 10 | 9 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 10 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 11 of 21 | 52% | 9 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 14 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 21 of 66 | 31% | 17 of 60 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 64 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 13 of 30 | 43% | 6 of 22 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: N/A
Round 1
On August 29, 2023, both Oki (8-1, 0-0 UFC) and Cuamba (8-1, 0-0 UFC) competed on the fourth episode of Dana White’s Contender Series in its 2023 season. Both men ended up getting their hands raised—Oki by knockout, and Cuamba by decision—and the former was signed. The latter went back to the regionals, where he fought at Tuff-N-Uff, the former all-amateur promotion, and smoked Michael Stack just one week ago. The round robin of fighters ends with this lightweight pairing of 8-1 newcomers, and it will be joined in the cage by referee Chris Tognoni. There is no plan on touching gloves, as they would rather get down to business. Oki presents himself as the immediate aggressor, chasing Cuamba down and reaching out with a low kick and some wide punches. Cuamba does not engage with much of his own offense in the opening 90 seconds, but for a few jabs and low kicks. Oki throws back one leg kick and unloads with two big right hands that mark up Cuamba’s face. Cuamba looses a right hand of his own back Oki off, but Oki is driving jabs to the increasingly red eye of his opponent. Oki times an advancing Cuamba with a short right, and the offense slows down from both parties. Oki shuffles in place as he tosses out a single right hand, and when that misses, Cuamba lets rip two overhand rights. Oki pokes out several more jabs and avoids the counter, and he lands a low kick with an audible thud. Cuamba comes back with a jab and slings a right hand after it, and he presses forward but pulls back before shooting. Oki gladly remains in boxing range, jabbing his opponent up, until Cuamba spurs into action with a head kick. Oki catches it and pushes Cuamba to the floor, where he unloads with a series of punches until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Round 2
The lightweights reach out to exchange a glove touch to start off the round, and Oki starts to chase Cuamba around the cage with jabs. Cuamba looks to mix things up with low kicks, but Oki walks through it and doubles up a jab to nail Cuamba with a right hand. Cuamba comes back with a two-punch combination, but it does not fluster Oki in the slightest. Oki continues to jab without fear of reprisal, and even when a counter comes from Cuamba, it is one-and-done. Oki peppers his man with a jab and occasional follow-up punches, and Cuamba attacks in response with a single-leg takedown effort. Oki backs up to the wall in defense, and he stifles Cuamba from getting him down and ends up taking Cuamba’s back in the process. Oki considers a rear-naked choke but falls off the side, although he gets a single hook in momentarily. Cuamba turns him back and stays doggedly pursuing the single, and he transitions to a double and manages to ground Oki after all. Cuamba steps over to the side and sits in an open half guard as he postures up to elbow Oki. When Oki sits up, Cuamba considers a guillotine choke at the 10-second clapper. Oki stands up, ignores a few elbows on the side of his head, and he hangs on as the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Round 3
The final round commences as Oki looks to pick up where he left off on the feet with a veritable cornucopia of jabs. Cuamba attempts a kick, but Oki is too close and irritating him with jabs. Oki drops his hands and puts them behind his back to showboat, and Cuamba punches him square in the face. Oki continues to march forward with jabs outstretched, and he surprises his adversary by attempting a level change. Cuamba pushes him away and returns to kickboxing range. Oki welcomes this by reintroducing his jab to the face of his opponent, and he is light enough on his feet to dodge the counters that careen his direction. Cuamba sneaks out a left hand as he gets constantly driven back, but he cannot seem to stop the methodical strategy of “The Zulu Warrior.” Cuamba tries to swing for the fences, and Oki watches them soar past him. Oki sprawls to stop a takedown, and he marches down Cuamba and strings four punches together. Oki catches Cuamba with an uppercut, as he puts a bit more mustard on his punches with less than a minute to go. Cuamba keeps circling and absorbing punches, and he occasionally looks for a brawl but is telegraphing the majority of his power strikes. Oki fearlessly presses ahead with punches in bunches, gets in a knee, and reaches out with a Superman punch right before this lackluster offering comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
The Official Result
Bolaji Oki def. Timothy Cuamba via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo describes Bolaji Oki as a busy striker with a good jab, power, and fast sprawl, though he slows down. He notes that Timmy Cuamba (referred to as deir hadzic) is an okay striker who relies on closing distance and takedowns, but his wide strikes leave him open to counters. Angelo believes Oki can defend takedowns and land effectively, and picks him to win. He suggests under 2.5 rounds might make sense.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki to win by decision. He notes that Oki has many ways to win, including wrestling, as Cuamba has the worst takedown defense in the lightweight division. He thinks Oki can brawl on the feet but can also take Cuamba down easily. He is not laying -300 on a debutant but picks Oki.
Cody picks Oki, noting his size and power. He thinks Cuamba is taking the fight on short notice and moving up a weight class, which are disadvantages. Oki has shown good wrestling and knockout power. Cody expects Oki to land the bigger shots and win by decision or late stoppage.
Oki is a young, powerful striker with speed and explosiveness. He should be able to find an early knockout against the aging and injury-returning Hadzovic. Hadzovic's ring rust and knee surgery recovery are major concerns. Oki's power will be too much, and he should win by first-round knockout.
Paul also picks Oki, citing size and preparation. He notes Cuamba fought last week and is moving up, which could affect his performance. Oki is the more proven prospect. Paul is not planning to bet it but leans Oki.
The MMA Guru picks Bolaji Oki because he is a dangerous athlete with good reach and power, and he is facing Timothy Cuamba on short notice. He recalls Oki's nasty first-round finish on the Contender Series. He notes that Cuamba is moving up from featherweight and taking the fight on short notice, which he sees as a disadvantage.
Mason Jones - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Jones | 0 | 110 of 236 | 46% | 123 of 251 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Axel Sola | 0 | 65 of 135 | 48% | 68 of 141 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 2:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mason Jones | 0 | 18 of 46 | 39% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Axel Sola | 0 | 15 of 32 | 46% | 18 of 38 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 | |
| 2 | Mason Jones | 0 | 34 of 73 | 46% | 35 of 76 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Axel Sola | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 22 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 | |
| 3 | Mason Jones | 0 | 58 of 117 | 49% | 61 of 120 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Axel Sola | 0 | 28 of 52 | 53% | 28 of 52 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Jones | 110 of 236 | 46% | 76 of 193 | 29 of 37 | 5 of 6 | 83 of 193 | 26 of 42 | 1 of 1 |
| Axel Sola | 65 of 135 | 48% | 49 of 116 | 16 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 61 of 125 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mason Jones | 18 of 46 | 39% | 12 of 39 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 40 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Axel Sola | 15 of 32 | 46% | 13 of 28 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 28 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mason Jones | 34 of 73 | 46% | 26 of 62 | 5 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 30 of 68 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Axel Sola | 22 of 51 | 43% | 14 of 42 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mason Jones | 58 of 117 | 49% | 38 of 92 | 20 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 37 of 85 | 20 of 31 | 1 of 1 |
| Axel Sola | 28 of 52 | 53% | 22 of 46 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 47 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Mason Jones because of his superior wrestling and aggression. He notes Axel Sola is the cleaner striker but Mason is an absolute dog with far better takedowns. He already bet half a unit on Mason at -125 and expects the line to move further.
Big Brady picks Mason Jones but is not confident due to Jones's awful fight IQ. He notes that Jones has all the tools (BJJ black belt, judo black belt, good striking) but often refuses to grapple when he has an advantage. He thinks Jones should use his grappling against Axel Sola, who has decent power but poor cardio and can be taken down. He predicts a decision win for Jones, but warns that Jones is hittable and could get rocked.
Cody picks Jones, citing his well-rounded game and Sola's tendency to fade. He sees Jones winning a competitive decision.
Connor picks Mason Jones as well, emphasizing that Jones is a full-tilt swarming fighter who can afford to be reckless because his aggression leads into his wrestling. He notes that Sola struggled with McKee's size but that Jones is tougher and more physically resilient. Connor expects an absolute war and a beating if Jones wins.
Daniel picks Mason Jones, believing his relentless pressure and ability to break opponents will overcome Sola's early striking success. He thinks Sola's karate style will falter as Jones walks him down and takes over in later rounds. He acknowledges Sola's power but trusts Jones's durability and cardio.
Daniel Vreeland picks Mason Jones to win by breaking Axel Sola in the latter part of the fight. He believes Jones' pressure and pace will overwhelm Sola, who fades after the first few minutes. He expects Jones to take Sola's best shots and then take over.
Jones is consistent, has home advantage, and his relentless pace will wear down Sola. Sola is more technical but fades as the fight goes on. Jones should win by decision or late stoppage. The only risk is a flash KO, but Jones is durable.
James picks Mason Jones but is not confident, as he admits he may have underrated Axel Sola. He thinks Jones' UFC experience and will to win will carry him, but Sola's fight IQ and size are concerns. He predicts a decision win for Jones.
The host picks Axel Sola by decision but is hesitant. He believes Sola's athleticism, reach, and clean striking will expose Jones's lack of speed and durability. He expects Sola to keep the fight standing and outpoint Jones. However, he admits being a Mason Jones fan and acknowledges Jones's toughness.
Paul thinks Jones' wrestling, cardio, and durability will outlast Sola, who has been exposed in the past. He expects Jones to win a decision or late stoppage.
The MMA Guru picks Mason Jones to win by finish in the second or third round. He notes Jones is more well-rounded, physical, and durable, with a judo background and good grappling. He expects Jones to use his durability and cardio advantage, and find a TKO up against the cage with knees and elbows as the fight slows down.
Zane leans toward Mason Jones because Jones has a simpler, more natural style that he sticks to, while Sola has more potential but is less complete. Zane notes that Sola gave up takedowns under pressure in pre-UFC bouts, and Jones's wrestling and aggression could exploit that. He acknowledges Sola's crafty striking and adjustments against McKee but trusts Jones's bruiser mode.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 1 | 38 of 99 | 38% | 40 of 101 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 57 of 136 | 41% | 67 of 147 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 1 | 29 of 73 | 39% | 31 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 20 of 57 | 35% | 25 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:16 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 9 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 37 of 79 | 46% | 42 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 38 of 99 | 38% | 26 of 76 | 8 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 14 |
| Mason Jones | 57 of 136 | 41% | 52 of 128 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 23 of 84 | 2 of 3 | 32 of 49 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 29 of 73 | 39% | 21 of 61 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 14 |
| Mason Jones | 20 of 57 | 35% | 17 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 12 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 10 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 9 of 26 | 34% | 5 of 15 | 2 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 37 of 79 | 46% | 35 of 77 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 39 |
Angelo slightly leans towards Mason Jones, citing his superior wrestling and ability to frustrate Oki with a busy jab. He notes that Oki struggles when backing up and that Jones' offensive takedowns are better. He calls it a competitive fight but thinks Jones' wrestling gives him the edge.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki in a close fight, citing Oki's high volume and power. He questions Mason Jones' fight IQ, noting he didn't grapple when he should have. He expects the fight to stay standing and go to a split decision, with Oki landing the bigger shots.
Connor also picks Jones, agreeing that Oki is undercooked and that Jones's fully formed game can handle a variety of opponents. He notes that Oki's technique falls apart when the fight gets out of control, and Jones will exploit that. He sees Jones as a much more reliable fighter at this level.
The host acknowledges the fight is a potential fight of the night contender and notes the odds are shifting towards Oki. However, he picks Jones due to his experience and ability to mix up the game better. He expects Jones to land more damage, outgrapple Oki, and win on the scorecards as the fight goes into deeper waters.
The Guru picks Mason Jones, acknowledging Oki's speed and power but noting Jones' granite chin and grinding style. He believes Jones' grappling and cardio will wear Oki down as the fight progresses. He predicts a 29-28 decision, with Jones losing the first round but taking over in the second and third.
Zane picks Mason Jones because he is a known quantity with a durable, aggressive style that will test Oki's inexperience. He notes that Oki has physical talent but poor footwork and decision-making, and that Jones will turn the fight into a brawl where Oki is uncomfortable. He believes Jones's wrestling and durability will be key.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Stephens | 0 | 42 of 108 | 38% | 54 of 126 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 81 of 231 | 35% | 104 of 261 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 6:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremy Stephens | 0 | 21 of 47 | 44% | 24 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 39 of 103 | 37% | 41 of 108 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 | |
| 2 | Jeremy Stephens | 0 | 19 of 55 | 34% | 24 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 37 of 115 | 32% | 43 of 123 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 | |
| 3 | Jeremy Stephens | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 20 of 30 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 0 | 0 | 4:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Stephens | 42 of 108 | 38% | 19 of 79 | 7 of 11 | 16 of 18 | 41 of 105 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 81 of 231 | 35% | 50 of 188 | 19 of 28 | 12 of 15 | 74 of 220 | 5 of 7 | 2 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremy Stephens | 21 of 47 | 44% | 6 of 28 | 3 of 6 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 39 of 103 | 37% | 22 of 80 | 9 of 13 | 8 of 10 | 36 of 100 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jeremy Stephens | 19 of 55 | 34% | 12 of 47 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 37 of 115 | 32% | 25 of 98 | 9 of 13 | 3 of 4 | 35 of 112 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jeremy Stephens | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 5 of 13 | 38% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jones (-600), Stephens (+440)
Round 1
Stephens enters to massive pop from his hometown crowd, and hopes to give them something to keep cheering about against fellow returnee Jones. Mike Beltran draws his first referee assignment of the evening, and the lightweights go to work in matchin orthodox stances. Stephens is throwing hooks with mean intentions right away, but he scores first with a hard leg kick. Jones is composed, however, moving laterally and tagging “Lil Heathen” with a variety of fast kicks from both sides. Jones goes upstairs and a head kick glances off Stephens’ guard. Jones connects with a body kick, then a spinning back kick to the head. None of them have landed with a ton of impact, but the speed and accuracy are there. Stephens catches Jones with a hard right hand, which leaves a visible swelling under the Welshman’s eye. They clinch, and Stephens fires off a couple of murderous-looking uppercuts that have Jones backing away hastily. Jones steps back in and lands an uppercut of his own. Stephens wades forward, and his punches look to have slowed just a bit. Jones takes Stephens’ back standing, hoists him with a rear waistlock and deposits him on the canvas. Stephens scrambles back up, but Jones elevates him for an easy mat return. Jones stays on Stephens’ back this time, and with under 30 seconds to go he tries a rear-naked choke. It’s wrapped up but not under the chin, and time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Round 2
Jones and Stephens meet in the center of the cage and flurry with punches. Stephens lands a good one and the crowd erupts. Jones fires back and they clinch. Stephens lands a nice uppercut in close. Jones tags Stephens with a glancing head kick and just slips a right hook coming back his way. Stephens throws another right, and Jones has just barely escaped disaster from that punch several times already in this fight. Jones lands a flying knee, followed by a level elbow, and Stephens is bleeding from the hairline. Stephens throws a salvo of punches, several of which connect, and Jones loses his mouthguard. Jones is bleeding from the face as well. The crowd is deafening as the two men swing away in phone-booth range. Jones lands a spinning back kick to the head, and Stephens steps in to land a clean counter punch. Stephens throws a straight to the body that hurts Jones and has him backing off. Stephens surges forward and takes Jones’ back standing. Jones spins to face his opponent and hauls Stephens to his knees, lands briefly in mount, then jumps on his back as he turns away. Short time left in the round once again, and once again the horn sounds with Jones in back control.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Round 3
The Des Moines crowd roars as Stephens and Jones come out for the final frame, and they pop further when Stephens lands a nice right hand in the opening exchange. Jones staves off further punishment—and quiets the arena—by changing levels for an easy takedown against the cage. Jones lands in Stephens’ guard, but Stephens gets back to his feet. Jones drags Stephens back down, spins through north-south, and grabs Stephens’ left arm with a two-on-one, looking to isolate the limb for an armbar. Stephens locks his hands and defends, with Jones kneeling over his head and trying to wrench the arm out. Jones gives up on the armbar and moves to Stephens’ back. Stephens explodes to his feet and Jones drags him back down, to scattered boos from the crowd. Jones laces the legs of the seated Iowan at the base of the fence, and is close to landing in full mount. Stephens gets back to this feet yet again, and Jones yet again responds by "dragon" his man back to the ground. Under a minute left to go and Jones gets back control, then takes mount as Stephens spins around. The final horn sounds with Jones in full mount near the cage and the Des Moines crowd sounding off in discontent.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jones (30-27 Jones)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jones (30-27 Jones)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jones (30-27 Jones)
The Official Result
Mason Jones def. Jeremy Stephens via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo expects Mason Jones to pick apart Jeremy Stephens with superior boxing and takedowns. He notes that Stephens is exciting but slower and will likely be taken down multiple times. He does not predict a finish but believes Jones will win a clear decision.
Big Brady is very confident in Mason Jones, calling it a mismatch. He highlights Jones's well-rounded skills: BJJ black belt, great striking, volume, power, and toughness. Stephens hasn't fought in MMA since 2022, is 38, and looked bad recently. Brady expects Jones to take Stephens down and finish him quickly, predicting a first-round submission. He notes that if Jones stands and bangs, it gives Stephens a puncher's chance, but still favors Jones.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Jones's aggression and clinch wrestling will be too much for Stephens. He compares Stephens's decline to his loss to Clay Collard, where aggression wore him down. Connor believes Jones can take Stephens down and keep him there, as Stephens's ground instincts are poor. He calls it a fight that feels like PFL filler but expects Jones to win.
Jones is younger and closer to his prime. He will mix up his game to wear down the 39-year-old Stephens and eventually secure a dominant position for a ground-and-pound TKO or submission.
The MMA Guru picks Mason Jones, citing his well-roundedness, wrestling, and granite chin. He believes Jeremy Stephens is too old and has been focusing on BKFC and boxing, so his grappling will be rusty. He predicts Jones will win by TKO on the ground, possibly after using his taekwondo to back Stephens up. He thinks Jones should be a 3-to-1 favorite, not -575.
Zane picks Jones, emphasizing that Stephens has been a lost cause in MMA for years, with declining foot speed and takedown defense. He notes that Jones is an aggressive brawler who pressures well and has never been knocked out. Zane points out that Stephens hasn't knocked anyone out in MMA since 2018 and is susceptible to pressure and wrestling. He believes Jones will swarm Stephens and wear him down.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ľudovít Klein | 0 | 43 of 105 | 40% | 78 of 141 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:17 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 50 of 87 | 57% | 70 of 112 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 6:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ľudovít Klein | 0 | 20 of 55 | 36% | 33 of 68 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 21 of 44 | 47% | 22 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Ľudovít Klein | 0 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 26 of 43 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 20 of 25 | 80% | 28 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:56 | |
| 3 | Ľudovít Klein | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 19 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 20 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ľudovít Klein | 43 of 105 | 40% | 16 of 70 | 23 of 31 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 75 | 21 of 27 | 1 of 3 |
| Mason Jones | 50 of 87 | 57% | 37 of 68 | 10 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 31 of 63 | 7 of 9 | 12 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ľudovít Klein | 20 of 55 | 36% | 6 of 39 | 10 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 47 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 21 of 44 | 47% | 14 of 34 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 38 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ľudovít Klein | 16 of 33 | 48% | 5 of 17 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 18 | 10 of 13 | 1 of 2 |
| Mason Jones | 20 of 25 | 80% | 16 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 11 | |
| 3 | Ľudovít Klein | 7 of 17 | 41% | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 10 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 1 |
| Mason Jones | 9 of 18 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 4 |
Big Brady picks Mason Jones to win by third-round submission. He notes Klein has power and head kicks but poor cardio and output. Jones has great cardio, output, and is well-rounded with a black belt in BJJ and judo. He expects Jones to break Klein in the later rounds and submit him.
Cody picks Mason Jones, highlighting his wrestling, grappling, cardio, and chin. He notes Klein has cardio issues and doesn't fight well going backwards. Cody thinks Jones will overwhelm Klein with pressure and takedowns. He predicts a decision win for Jones.
Daniel Levi picks Mason Jones, comparing him to a lightweight Marvin Vettori with a great chin and relentless pressure. He believes Jones will break Klein down as the fight goes on, especially since Klein has succumbed to pressure before. Levi notes that Klein is fast early but fades, and as long as Jones doesn't get caught by a high kick, he should win.
Jones is more active, has good striking volume, takedowns, and ground game. He should win everywhere as long as he doesn't get knocked out. Klein relies on his left straight and head kick, but Jones has great cardio and durability. Jones likely finishes later in the fight.
Paul picks Mason Jones, citing his pressure, wrestling, and cardio. He notes Klein struggles with forward pressure and fights poorly off his back foot. Paul thinks Jones will take Klein down and grind him out. He mentions Jones' good chin and volume. Paul also likes Jones over 53.5 significant strikes on PrizePicks.
The MMA Guru believes Mason Jones will win by late-round TKO. He notes that Klein is good at stalling against the cage and has explosivity on the feet, but he doesn't see Klein finishing Jones, who has a good chin and cardio. As the fight goes on, Jones will pressure Klein against the cage, land body shots and knees, and eventually get a TKO in the third round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Jones | 0 | 87 of 157 | 55% | 116 of 191 | 8 of 14 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 9:01 |
| David Onama | 0 | 90 of 153 | 58% | 121 of 186 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mason Jones | 0 | 30 of 66 | 45% | 41 of 80 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 2:34 |
| David Onama | 0 | 30 of 60 | 50% | 41 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Mason Jones | 0 | 33 of 52 | 63% | 45 of 65 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:49 |
| David Onama | 0 | 35 of 59 | 59% | 42 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Mason Jones | 0 | 24 of 39 | 61% | 30 of 46 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:38 |
| David Onama | 0 | 25 of 34 | 73% | 38 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Jones | 87 of 157 | 55% | 65 of 133 | 20 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 69 of 130 | 10 of 18 | 8 of 9 |
| David Onama | 90 of 153 | 58% | 80 of 142 | 8 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 70 of 128 | 19 of 23 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mason Jones | 30 of 66 | 45% | 22 of 57 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 27 of 55 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| David Onama | 30 of 60 | 50% | 24 of 54 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 49 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Mason Jones | 33 of 52 | 63% | 23 of 41 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| David Onama | 35 of 59 | 59% | 32 of 55 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 46 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mason Jones | 24 of 39 | 61% | 20 of 35 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 27 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 8 |
| David Onama | 25 of 34 | 73% | 24 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Mason Jones, calling him 'my boy.' He highlights Jones's durability, cardio, and experience against tough competition. Cody notes that Jones has a great chin, good grappling, and pushes a strong pace. He contrasts Jones's proven UFC-level skills with Onama's untested resume, pointing out that Onama has only fought low-level competition and is making a short-notice debut. Cody believes Jones will dominate and potentially finish Onama.
Lock picks Jones based on superior grappling. He notes Jones is a black belt in judo and jiu-jitsu with good wrestling. He expects Jones to take Onama down and dominate. He likes Jones inside the distance and by submission.
Paul does not make a pick, calling it a pass. He notes that Onama looks decent on tape and that the -500 price is too steep. Paul acknowledges that Onama has a puncher's chance and is from a good camp, but he is not confident enough to bet either side.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Patrick | 0 | 10 of 32 | 31% | 14 of 39 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 46 of 85 | 54% | 57 of 100 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Patrick | 0 | 7 of 28 | 25% | 7 of 30 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 38 of 71 | 53% | 44 of 78 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:00 | |
| 2 | Alan Patrick | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 7 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 8 of 14 | 57% | 13 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Patrick | 10 of 32 | 31% | 5 of 25 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 46 of 85 | 54% | 32 of 67 | 13 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 37 | 9 of 13 | 26 of 35 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Patrick | 7 of 28 | 25% | 3 of 22 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 38 of 71 | 53% | 28 of 58 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 32 | 8 of 12 | 20 of 27 | |
| 2 | Alan Patrick | 3 of 4 | 75% | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 8 of 14 | 57% | 4 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 |
Big Brady is very confident in Mason Jones, calling him the biggest favorite on the card for a reason. He notes Jones is well-rounded with great striking and a black belt in BJJ, while Patrick is 37, has poor striking defense, and gets wobbled by every shot. He believes Jones will win the striking exchanges by a mile and predicts a knockout, as Patrick's chin is not there.
Cody picks Jones confidently, noting his durability and improvement. He thinks Jones will stop Patrick's takedowns and win on the feet. Cody sees Jones as one of the safer favorites on the card.
Daniel picks Mason Jones to finish the fight, likely by body shot knockout in the second or third round. He notes that Alan Patrick is almost 40, has slowed down, and his athleticism has diminished. Daniel points out that Patrick's takedown defense and get-up game have declined, and he cannot keep up with Jones's pace. He praises Jones's volume, calf kicks, and durability, and believes Jones will overwhelm Patrick and eventually land a fight-ending body shot.
Patrick is one-dimensional and relies on takedowns, but Jones has good takedown defense and get-up ability. Jones has power and will finish Patrick, likely by TKO.
Paul picks Jones confidently, citing his youth, momentum, and well-rounded skills. He notes Patrick's one-dimensional wrestling and inability to get takedowns against better competition. Paul thinks Jones will stuff takedowns and win on the feet. He sees Jones as a safe parlay piece.
The Guru picks Mason Jones, believing Alan Patrick is past his prime and lacks cardio. He thinks Jones is younger, hungrier, and better in all areas, with good jiu-jitsu to neutralize Patrick's grappling. He predicts a third-round TKO via knees against the cage after Patrick fades, though he notes risky moments early where Patrick might get a takedown.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Davis | 0 | 108 of 207 | 52% | 111 of 210 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:50 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 117 of 313 | 37% | 132 of 329 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Davis | 0 | 31 of 58 | 53% | 31 of 58 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 29 of 69 | 42% | 38 of 78 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 2 | Mike Davis | 0 | 40 of 77 | 51% | 40 of 77 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 48 of 125 | 38% | 52 of 129 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 3 | Mike Davis | 0 | 37 of 72 | 51% | 40 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 40 of 119 | 33% | 42 of 122 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Davis | 108 of 207 | 52% | 54 of 131 | 42 of 61 | 12 of 15 | 97 of 189 | 8 of 14 | 3 of 4 |
| Mason Jones | 117 of 313 | 37% | 83 of 265 | 18 of 31 | 16 of 17 | 104 of 285 | 11 of 21 | 2 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Davis | 31 of 58 | 53% | 16 of 37 | 11 of 15 | 4 of 6 | 27 of 50 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 4 |
| Mason Jones | 29 of 69 | 42% | 17 of 53 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 63 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mike Davis | 40 of 77 | 51% | 22 of 50 | 14 of 22 | 4 of 5 | 37 of 74 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 48 of 125 | 38% | 39 of 112 | 4 of 7 | 5 of 6 | 44 of 114 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 7 | |
| 3 | Mike Davis | 37 of 72 | 51% | 16 of 44 | 17 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 33 of 65 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 40 of 119 | 33% | 27 of 100 | 11 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 108 | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady calls this a very close fight and says the line should be closer. He likes both fighters but gives a slight edge to Mike Davis due to better competition. He notes Davis's boxing is very good and he is powerful, while Mason Jones is a black belt in BJJ and a good finisher. He predicts a decision win for Davis, but says Mason Jones at +150 is a value play and he doesn't hate anyone taking a shot on him.
The host believes Mike Davis's speed, crisp striking, and wrestling background will be too much for Mason Jones, who is stepping up from Cage Warriors. He notes Davis's hand speed and kicks as key advantages, and expects a finish in the second round via KO. He is confident Davis is on a higher level than Jones's previous competition.
The MMA Guru picks Mason Jones as an underdog, believing the odds should be even. He argues Jones has faced better competition, including a first-round TKO of previously undefeated Adam Proctor, and has more pro experience (10-0 vs 8-2). He expects a slugfest where Jones' power, which knocked out welterweights, will be too much for Davis, leading to a first-round TKO. He calls the underdog odds a 'steal'.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo slightly leans towards Mason Jones, citing his superior wrestling and ability to frustrate Oki with a busy jab. He notes that Oki struggles when backing up and that Jones' offensive takedowns are better. He calls it a competitive fight but thinks Jones' wrestling gives him the edge.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki in a close fight, citing Oki's high volume and power. He questions Mason Jones' fight IQ, noting he didn't grapple when he should have. He expects the fight to stay standing and go to a split decision, with Oki landing the bigger shots.
Connor also picks Jones, agreeing that Oki is undercooked and that Jones's fully formed game can handle a variety of opponents. He notes that Oki's technique falls apart when the fight gets out of control, and Jones will exploit that. He sees Jones as a much more reliable fighter at this level.
The host acknowledges the fight is a potential fight of the night contender and notes the odds are shifting towards Oki. However, he picks Jones due to his experience and ability to mix up the game better. He expects Jones to land more damage, outgrapple Oki, and win on the scorecards as the fight goes into deeper waters.
The Guru picks Mason Jones, acknowledging Oki's speed and power but noting Jones' granite chin and grinding style. He believes Jones' grappling and cardio will wear Oki down as the fight progresses. He predicts a 29-28 decision, with Jones losing the first round but taking over in the second and third.
Zane picks Mason Jones because he is a known quantity with a durable, aggressive style that will test Oki's inexperience. He notes that Oki has physical talent but poor footwork and decision-making, and that Jones will turn the fight into a brawl where Oki is uncomfortable. He believes Jones's wrestling and durability will be key.
Comments (1)
Oki nearly got the KO in rd1 and emptied the tank. The sub was there for Mason in rd2 ect but the gnp was the weapon used. Sub might be good again .
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