MASON Jones was making no excuses after losing on his UFC debut - and has vowed the disappointment will only fuel his journey to the top of the lightweight division.

The 25-year-old from Blaenavon, who last September became the first fighter since Conor McGregor to hold two Cage Warriors world titles simultaneously, dropped a unanimous decision to Mike Davis after three vicious rounds.

While Jones had moments to savour, he absorbed some heavy punishment and was left with a badly bruised left eye as his American opponent was given the nod 29-28 on all three judges’ scorecards at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.

It was the first defeat of his mixed martial arts career, having won his previous 10 fights.

"I am a better fighter than that. I am a better striker,” lamented Jones afterwards. "It doesn't matter, I am going to be the best fighter in this division.

"This is just going to be a bump in the road, a speedbump, a learning curve. Everyone loses and I will just come back stronger and better.

"The UFC will give me another chance after that, I hope, and I will more than show that I deserve to be here and that I am destined for the top.

"It was a close fight but I had Mike winning as well. We'll learn from it - I am a smarter and better fighter than that.

"I should beat Mike nine times out of ten. He initialised a better gameplan and there are no excuses in this game.

"I'll break the fight down and next time you will see a more complete version of me."

It was an engrossing contest that led Richard Shore, mentor to his son Jack and fellow UFC fighter Jack Marshman, to praise the debutant.

"Great fight," Tweeted the coach from Abertillery. "Mason Jones is as tough a man I've seen."

However, it was 'Beast Boy' that took victory and then questioned the power of Jones.

"I felt like I was landing the harder hits and the more significant strikes," said Davis.

"He was just pitter-pattering me. It looks good because I can't defend strikes that are just touching me, but I did more damage.

"I got the takedowns, dropped him with leg kicks and landed knees to the face.

"I feel like that all just added up and gave me the decision."