AT THE the third time of asking, Blaenavon’s Mason Jones has emerged victorious inside the UFC octagon.

The mixed martial artist from Gwent, took to the cage in Las Vegas on Saturday night (October 23) against short notice opponent David Onama.

Originally, the 26-year-old was set to rematch Brazilian Alan Patrick, who Jones was on course to defeat earlier this year, before an errant eye-poke from the Welshman saw the contest ended prematurely.

Instead, Patrick withdrew, and was replaced by Onama, the first man from Uganda to compete in the UFC – seen as the top martial arts organisation on the planet.

What’s more, the 27-year-old entered the contest having remained unbeaten to date in both his professional and amateur career.

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Entering the contest, the Welshman was the biggest betting favourite on the undercard, and while he enjoyed a noticeable size advantage, it was anything but a straightforward victory.

It was expected that Jones would have an advantage in the striking exchanges, but, early on, it appeared as though Onama had the edge in terms of power.

Making the most of his experience, Jones, who previously held titles on the domestic martial arts scene, turned to his judo and wrestling background, to take the contest to the ground on a number of occasions.

At the end of the 15-minute affair, the judges were required to separate the two men.

To the relief of those in the Jones corner, and those watching in Blaenavon, all three judges gave him the victory, by a margin of two rounds to one.

It proved to be a much needed victory, with Jones having narrowly lost his UFC debut to American Mike Davis by split decision, followed by the no-contest result against Alan Patrick.

The win improved his record to 11 wins, one defeat, and one no-contest.

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What has been said about the result?

Speaking to UFC commentator Michael Bisping after the fight, Jones expressed his disappointment at his performance, saying: “I didn't expect that, I thought I'd have him (Onama) standing up, I caught him early on in the first and thought I could put the pressure on and my gas tank just disappeared.

"I've never gassed in 13 fights and that's the first time I felt tired. So I don't know if it was my cut, because I lost so much weight during my cut that I hardly had to cut anything in the morning, so I don't know if I messed something up, so it's a learning experience.

"It's not the big performance I wanted to make, I thought after I caught him in the first with a jab and I rocked him, smart pressure now and you'll have him but I was just gassed, a standing punchbag."