David Onama, UFC’s first fighter from Uganda, set for Saturday debut vs. Mason Jones
Uganda is now represented in the UFC thanks to lightweight David Onama.
A member of Glory MMA & Fitness under coach James Krause, Onama (8-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will make his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 196 when he steps in on short-notice to fight former Cage Warriors champion Mason Jones (10-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) on Saturday.
A person with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie on Tuesday but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. MMA DNA was first to report the booking.
Onama, 27, is the first Ugandan fighter in UFC history. He enters the fight unbeaten with seven finishes in eight fights including five TKOs and two submissions.
As for Jones, the Welsh fighter was originally scheduled to rematch Alan Patrick at UFC Fight Night 196. However, Patrick withdrew due to COVID-19-related matters. Jones has competed twice in the UFC thus far, in a no contest against Patrick and a unanimous decision loss to Mike Davis.
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PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)
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Mason Jones vs. David Onama