Rising lightweights collide on Saturday night, as MarQuel Mederos takes on Mason Jones at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Rodrigues in Sacramento.
Mederos (11–1–1, 3–0–1 UFC) is unbeaten in his last 10 fights, coming off a majority draw against Chris Padilla in April. Jones (18–2, 4–2 UFC [1 NC]) is riding a seven-fight winning streak, punctuated by a unanimous decision victory over Axel Sola in March.
Jones enters as a heavy -285 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Mederos is a +230 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Mederos vs. Jones Preview
MarQuel Mederos
- 11–1–1 (3–0–1 UFC)
- 6–0 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
MarQuel Mederos may be unbeaten in his last 10 fights, but as the odds would suggest, he’s still looking to prove himself inside the Octagon. The Denver native, 29, has a savvy all-around game, though his defensive approach has earned him a reputation as a point fighter.
Stacked up against less-than-formidable competition, the Dana White’s Contender Series graduate has recorded zero finishes in his four UFC bouts. One of which was a split-decision victory, and his most recent bout against Chris Padilla ended in a majority draw. The fight was initially ruled in Padilla’s favor after an incorrect reading of the scorecards, though the actual result could have easily gone in that direction.
Mederos seemingly has the tools to make a statement — but it’s up to him to go out and do it.
Mason Jones
- 18–2 (4–2 UFC [1 NC])
- 8–0 (T)KO
- 3–0 SUB
Watching a Mason Jones fight is like throwing on a Fast and Furious movie. The high-octane Welsh contender, 31, has gone 3–0 in his second stint in the UFC after recapturing his rhythm in Cage Warriors.
“The Dragon” loves a war, as evidenced by his Fight of the Night scrap with Axel Sola earlier this year. There, he unleashed a steady barrage of haymakers and clinch knees en route to a unanimous decision win. While aggressive and hittable, he’s also measured and virtually indestructible. His ground game is also nothing to scoff at.
Jones is the type of guy who won’t stop pressing forward until he’s unconscious — and that hasn’t happened yet.
Mederos vs. Jones Pick, Best Bet
Mason Jones has found himself during his second UFC run, and he should keep the momentum rolling against MarQuel Mederos. The Welsh contender should overwhelm the more reserved American with his nonstop forward pressure, bolstered by a considerable five-inch reach advantage. With superior stoppage prowess and a vibranium chin, “The Dragon” should have no problem marching through the fire and notching his eighth straight win inside the distance.
