Preview: UFC Des Moines ‘Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo’

Lightweights

Mason Jones (15-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (29-21, 15-18 UFC)

ODDS: Jones (-600), Stephens (+440)

Two lightweights return to the UFC, and Stephens is certainly the bigger surprise of the two. Stephens made his UFC debut in 2007 and quickly became a promotional favorite due to his brawling ways, and “Lil’ Heathen” eventually did his best work from 2013 on, as a move down to featherweight unlocked some additional power that allowed him to make a run towards the fringes of title contention. After an eventual six-fight winless skid that culminated in a 2021 loss to Mateusz Gamrot, it wasn’t a shock when Stephens—after 34 trips to the Octagon—was finally handed his release. After a rough stint with the Professional Fighters League, Stephens found a new life in the world of bare-knuckle boxing, scoring wins over fellow UFC vets Jimmie Rivera and Eddie Alvarez to give his career some newfound momentum. That made his sudden UFC return even more of a shock, but Stephens, a native of Des Moines, was in between contracts when this card was announced and reached out to the promotion to sign what’s apparently only a one-fight deal. It’s a nice pivot to see from the UFC, which typically refuses to budge from its standard contractual procedures. Even better, it should result in an entertaining war against Jones.

Jones had a four-fight UFC stint from 2021 to 2022 that was high on action but produced middling results, as the Welshman’s constant pressure led to his eating just as much offense as he dished out. He figured to return to his successful ways upon hitting the regional scene, and after four straight wins, he’s back for what figures to be a longer run, even if Jones’ aggressive game hasn’t changed much in the aggregate. Stephens should get his preferred type of slugfest, so he could get a big hometown win, but between Jones’ youth, durability and the threat of some wrestling, the Welshman gets the nod. The pick is Jones via decision.

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Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo
Nickal vs. de Ridder
Ponzinibbio vs. Rodriguez
Jackson vs. Marcos
Sidey vs. Smotherman
Jones vs. Stephens
The Prelims