Jones’ earlier UFC look had led to defeat by Ludovit Klein, an expertise he now sees as a key turning level.
“I screwed myself final time,” he mentioned. “I did not take heed to my coaches. This time, I promised I might.”
Jones’ new-found self-discipline was evident within the last spherical of a bruising contest against Stephens.
After two frantic rounds that left each fighters bloodied and with out gumshields following heavy exchanges, Jones opted for management moderately than chaos.
“It was a little bit of a dogfight however within the third, I listened,” he mentioned.
“My nook informed me I needed to take him down and get the job finished. That is precisely what I did.”
Jones says he caught to the sport plan, prioritising his win bonus over the possibility of a bonus-worthy end.
“I do know it is boring for followers however I would moderately make sure that of the win than chase £50k,” he mentioned. “That third spherical in all probability price me the bonus however I am going to take the win each time.”
The struggle marked the top of the highway for Stephens, a UFC veteran of greater than 30 bouts, and Jones was fast to pay tribute.
“He is a beast and a legend in his personal proper,” he mentioned. “It was an honour to be the one to ship him into retirement.”
