This live blog provides coverage for the lightweight contest between Jeremy Stephens and Mason Jones, which serves as the opening bout for the main card at UFC Des Moines, held at the Wells Fargo Arena.
Jeremy Stephens is making a notable return to the octagon for the first time since suffering a swift 65-second submission loss to Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 31 in July 2021. Since that time, Stephens has been active in other combat sports promotions, including PFL and Gamebred Boxing. He has found significant success and a career resurgence in the world of bare-knuckle boxing (BKFC), accumulating a perfect 3-0 record. This run includes a decisive victory over Eddie Alvarez at KnuckleMania 5 in January. Known as “Lil’ Heathen,” Stephens is making this special one-night appearance in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa.
Mason Jones is also returning to the UFC roster. His last fight with the promotion was a loss to Ludovit Klein in July 2022. Following that defeat, the 30-year-old competitor returned to the regional circuit, competing under the Cage Warriors banner. There, he achieved four consecutive wins, three of which ended in a finish, performances that earned him his spot back in the UFC.
Follow along below for live updates of the Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones fight.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely