Fighter calls victory “righteous retribution” and urges young Welsh talent to believe in themselves
A RISING Welsh fighter admitted it felt “massive” to secure a statement win on a huge London card – especially while proudly flying the flag for Wales.
Speaking after the bout, the athlete said there was no greater honour than representing the nation on such a major stage.
“There’s not a better flag in the world to represent,” they said. “To be fair, I didn’t really want to fight in London again – but this time it just felt right.
“I did loads of prep work, and honestly it was almost exactly how it was supposed to go.”
The victory carried extra meaning given the fighter’s previous reluctance to return to London, describing the night as a personal turning point.
“London was a righteous retribution,” they explained. “In a place I never wanted to fight again, to do it for Wales… I wouldn’t want better people to back me.”
The victory is expected to boost Jones` profile even further, with comparisons already being made to Wales’ rising stars in other sports – including the growing wave of Welsh talent breaking through on the UFC stage. As a proud Welsh welterweight recently put it: “There’s not a better flag in the world to represent.”
Welsh voices in the crowd
Despite fighting away from home, the fighter said hearing familiar Welsh accents among the crowd gave an immediate boost.
“Any time I hear Welsh accents it’s always a bonus,” they said. “Fighting in front of a fully Welsh crowd would be insane. It always helps.
“London was a good atmosphere this time. This one was a lot more fun.”
A message to the next generation
When asked what they would say to young fighters in Wales watching and dreaming of doing the same, the fighter was emphatic that the nation consistently produces world-class talent – and that self-belief is often the biggest hurdle.
“For our population, we generate talent,” they said. “Some of the best athletes in the world come from Wales. No one does it like the Welsh.
“The only thing that’ll hold you back is yourself. There’s been times where I didn’t think I could do it. The main thing is not to be afraid.
“You always choose to be where you are. When you start making those choices, things change.”
From doubt to the summit
The fighter also reflected on the emotional journey behind the win, revealing how overwhelming it felt to reach a point they once thought impossible.
Recalling a past experience travelling with “four free tickets” to Paris, they said it was one of those moments where stepping into a big arena makes the dream suddenly feel real.
“You sit in an arena and it’s a shock,” they said. “When you hit the summit, that’s when you look for the next one.
“I was fine until I took a deep breath and burst out crying. It was a lot.
“A lot of people told me I wasn’t good enough, and you sort of have that question in the back of your head.”
They compared the pressure of progress to sprinting downhill, where momentum brings greater risk.
“It’s like running down a hill – the faster you run, the steeper the hill gets,” they added.
Still, the fighter insisted the journey has been worth it – and that nights like this prove that belief can beat doubt.
“It’s impossible… until it isn’t,” they said.
The win now sets the Welsh talent up for bigger opportunities ahead, as attention turns to what could be next after a defining night in the capital.
