The MMA Daily

The preliminary card headliner comes in the Lightweight division, as Ludovit Klein takes on Mason Jones. Coming off an important win over Devonte Smith, which stopped a two-fight skid, Klein will look to make it two straight. Given the stage and the spot in the pecking order of the card, this is a big opportunity for Klein to finally arrive in the UFC. Meanwhile, Jones returns to the octagon for the first time in 2022. Having finally tasted UFC victory against David Onama, the former simultaneous Cage Warriors Lightweight and Welterweight champion can finally move on from a nightmare start to his UFC tenure. With immense potential and only 27 years of age, Jones is one to can keep an eye out for.

The UFC has long been the proven grounds in mixed martial arts. Both Klein and Jones have found that out in short order. Klein, who is 2-2 in the UFC, has shown flashes of brilliance. With an arsenal on the feet, and a propensity to attack the body, Klein is at his best when he let’s everything go. Known to have solid takedown defense and grappling abilities which aide him in getting back to the feet, Klein has proven that he can’t be held down. Formerly fighting at Featherweight, Klein may lack the size, but his movement and striking speed give him an edge at 155 pounds. Looking to challenge Klein everywhere, is the well rounded Jones. Having gone 1-1, with one no contest in three UFC fights, Jones hasn’t quite lived up to his previous undefeated simultaneous champion status he strolled into the promotion with. However, with youth and talent on his side, Jones future is bright.

Bound to be a fun fight, I’m going to side with Jones. Despite coming into this fight on short notice, Jones is a well conditioned workhorse, who is relentless with his wrestling and striking. Landing eight takedowns and over eighty significant strikes in his recent win, Jones showed us a taste of his blended attack. Against Klein, takedowns won’t come easy, but being the natural Lightweight should give him the strength edge needed to floor Klein. With that said, I predict that Jones wins via decision.