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Paul Battison
Journalist for BBC Sport
Mason Jones claims that the only thing that matters before his UFC return is that it shows that he deserves to be here.
Three years after quitting the promotion, the British man, 30, will face American lightweight Jeremy Stephens on Saturday in Iowa.
Welshman Jones left the UFC for “financial and performance reasons,” and has since established a four-fight winning streak with UK-based Cage Warriors.
Jones won only one of his four UFC fights before making his UFC debut in 2021, having already won ten of his professional matches.
In 2022, he left after being defeated by Ludovit Klein in Slovakia.
“None of my last fights in the UFC ended up going well,” I said on my last trip here. I didn’t perform any of them, Jones said.
“I had problems, issues, and every possible justification.”
“Now everything is running smoothly. No injuries are reported, my camp is running smoothly, and I feel fantastic.
After almost four years away from the title, Stephens is also making his UFC return.
Stephens, who will be performing in Iowa in front of his native Iowa audience, entered 34 fights, winning 15 of them, before resuming his five-fight losing streak.
He won all three of his fights in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), losing to Natan Schulte in the PFL in 2022.
According to Jones, Stephens views the 38-year-old as a “mountain” while he describes him as a “molehill.”
“Jeremy is a mountain, but he’s not insurmountable.” I’m going to go out there and find a way to fix him, Jones said.
101 East investigates the downfall of Bangladesh’s ruthless regime and goes inside the fight to reclaim democracy.
Enforced disappearances, torture, extrajudicial killings: The human rights abuses allegedly committed by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime have left scores of Bangladeshis scarred and traumatised.
After a student-led movement overthrew the government in 2024, the full extent of the suffering is finally coming to light as an interim government, led by 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, tries to rebuild a shattered nation.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK and the MP for Clacton, resides in a rural, quaint town 17 miles from Westminster, where house prices range from £570K to £570K but have been steadily declining.
Nigel Farage lives in a quaint village not far from where he grew up(Image: Getty Images)
Local elections are taking place across England today, with millions of voters heading to their nearest polling station. Hoping to win two or three mayoralties for his party is Nigel Farage, the MP for Clacton and Leader of Reform UK.
The 61-year-old politician can be found at his home in Downe, a quiet and picturesque village that is about 17 miles from Westminster, when he isn’t campaigning or sitting in parliament. The legendary 19th-century naturalist and “godfather” of evolutionary biology lived in Downe, which is located in the London borough of Bromley.
The village, which is only a short drive from Orpington, is surrounded by Kent’s countryside, championship golf courses, and stately private residences. Guy and Barbara Farage were the parents of Mr. Farage in Farnborough, Kent.
According to the Express, he attended the prestigious Dulwich College, a fee-paying university whose notable alumni include Jeeves and Wooster author P. G. Wodehouse and The Chemical Brothers’ Ed Simons.
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage lives around 17 miles from Westminster(Image: Getty Images)
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Nigel has always maintained his love for Kent, settling for Downe, where the two counties share a border. Given that the village has a quick access to central London, it’s not surprising that properties there cost an average of £565, 833, according to Rightmove data from last year. He is said to reside in a family home there.
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Semi-detached homes sold for an average of £681, 250, accounting for the majority of property sales in Downe. Terraced homes sold for around £335, 000. However, Downe real estate values are declining, with prices dropping by 27% from their previous year’s peak of £776, 675 and by 50%.
The village is served by two TfL bus lines, the R8 (Orpington-Biggin Hill via Downe) and the 146 (Bromley-Downe). Busses from Bromley South or Orpington Stations are both accessible in 20 minutes.
Down House in Downe, is the former home of Charles Darwin(Image: Heritage Images/Getty Images/Hulton Archive/English Heritage)
Downe has two bars: George and Dragon and The Queens Head, which are ideal for Mr. Farage to relax in after a long day at work. The former prides itself on its selection of real ales and seasonal food options while the latter is a family-run, traditional 16th-century country pub.
RAF Biggin Hill is only a short drive from the village. In the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, this former fighter base stood up for London and South-east England from enemy bombing. The RAF Biggin Hill Museum and Chapel, where Winston Churchill’s “Few” are commemorated, is where this historical tale is narrated.
The area has several courses to choose from, including Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club, High Elms Golf Club, Cherry Lodge Golf Club, and West Kent Golf Club, if the MP wants to play golf on the weekend.
Darwin’s Down House is Downe’s main attraction. The study that the father of evolutionary theory wrote in On the Origin of Species is accessible here. The family home of Darwin is regarded by English Heritage as having significant international significance.
The garden of Down House, which is open to visitors (Image: Heritage Images/Getty Images/Hulton Archive/English Heritage)
The renowned scientist would regularly walk the house’s perimeter known as the Sandwalk. Additionally, he planted orchids in a greenhouse and set up a laboratory in a brick hut.
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Visitors can now learn how the naturalist’s observations helped shape the development of his pioneering theories because the gardens that served as Darwin’s “living laboratory” were set in.
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From Tokyo to Taipei to Manila, people across Asia marked May Day with marches and protests that spotlighted growing unease over United States President Donald Trump’s policies, amid fears of global economic instability.
The holiday, also known as International Workers ‘ Day or Labour Day, honours the struggles and achievements of workers and the labour movement. Rallies are expected across the US, as well, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia.
Across multiple countries, Trump’s agenda was cited as a source of concern. In the US, organisers said their message this year will be focused on fighting Trump’s approach against immigrants, federal workers and diversity initiatives.
In Taiwan, President William Lai Ching-te referenced new US tariffs under Trump as he promoted a proposed spending bill aimed at stabilising the job market and supporting livelihoods. In the Philippines, protest leader Mong Palatino warned that “tariff wars and policies of Trump” threatened local industries.
In Japan, some said his policies hung over the day like a shadow, with one truck in the Tokyo march featuring a doll that resembled Trump. There, participant demands ranged from higher wages and gender equality to healthcare, disaster relief, a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“For our children to be able to live with hope, the rights of workers must be recognised”, said Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers ‘ group in Tokyo.
Tadashi Ito, a union construction worker, said he worried about rising prices for imported raw materials.
“Everybody is fighting over work and so the contracts tend to go where the wages are cheapest”, he said. “We think peace comes first. And we hope Trump will eradicate conflict and inequalities”.
Los Angeles is expected to host one of the world’s largest May Day events this year, and a banner there summarised the day’s theme: “One Struggle, One Fight – Workers Unite”!
Sam Thompson, the star of Made in Chelsea, has revealed that he is dating a woman for the first time since splitting from his ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott.
Sam Thompson details first date with ‘beautiful’ woman after Zara split(Image: Instagram)
Four months after his high-profile breakup from Zara McDermott, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson is stepping back into the dating world – and he’s doing it with newfound self-confidence and some help from his best friend Pete Wicks.
Sam, 32, revealed that despite feeling “absolutely terrified,” he is slowly finding his groove again after appearing on the popular podcast Staying Relevant. He revealed that he had recently enjoyed his first date since splitting from Zara, 28, and that he had recently enjoyed his first date since then.
Sam acknowledged the emotional strain of his breakup, “I feel like I’m ready to get out there.” “I’ve gone through a lot of it, but I finally feel good, really good, and comfortable in my own skin,” he said.
Sam spoke about his first date on his podcast with best friend Pete Wicks(Image: Staying Relevant/Youtube)
A hilarious play-by-play of the pre-date panic was provided for podcast listeners of the duo’s podcast. He began, “I went on a date recently.” I actually messaged Pete because I was so anxious. He gave me this sweet piece of advice.
Pete was Sam’s unofficial dating coach from where to stand. I called him and inquired, “Do I need to wait outside or inside?” and he says, “You’re overthinking it, mate,”
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“Go in, order a drink, chill, and don’t be the weirdo loitering on the sidewalk.” “Pete even suggested texting the mysterious woman to ask what beverage she wanted so that it would be waiting when she arrived.
Pete helped Sam through his first date nerves(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Sam grinned and said, “That’s such a good idea! ” When she enters, Petere responded, “Show her how stunning she is.” A happy date is possible. Eye contact, but not as a serial killer. “
Pete received a brief call after the date. He proudly said, “I could tell you nailed it,” before gushing to Sam about his nervousness about starting a relationship. Sam politely responded, “Yesterday. However, once you pass that initial hurdle, when you realize she hasn’t recoiled in horror, things actually get fun.
He also admitted to having a few stress-related thoughts, such as whether to wait outside or open her taxi door. I was planning to give her a hug right away. He laughed, “I had no idea what I was doing.” However, Pete provided a solid strategy for me.
Sam and Zara split in January after five years together(Image: Instagram)
I was on the phone to our producer right before she entered, and I was there when I unintentionally blurted that out while she was on the call and she recognized me.
Pete once said, “F***ing hell,” in a humorous way. I still think she enjoyed it. Sam is currently dating someone. Why has he been dressing so well lately?
Sam also addressed the self-esteem dip he experienced following a breakup in an interview about his appearance. He said, “I’m aware that I looked like s**t,” to put it simply. I’ve watched the videos. You’ve really let yourself go, Mate, I tell myself. The situation has changed, though. I’m now feeling genuinely happy and confident once more.
Sam was spotted out and about with Love Island star Samie(Image: samieelishi/Instagram)
That newfound confidence may have something to do with Love Island alum Samie Elishi. Over the Easter weekend, Sam was spotted enjoying the sunshine and some quality time with Samie at the King’s Road Fine Food Market. According to sources, sparks are flying between the pair and it’s likely that Sam’s first date was with the brunette beauty who appeared on Love Island All Stars earlier this year.
The pair reportedly started chatting via Instagram after Sam’s split from Zara, and their connection deepened quickly. “They really like each other,” a source close to the couple shared. “Sam wasn’t trying to hide it and introduced Samie to Chelsea – that says a lot.”
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Their romantic outing comes as Zara continues to make headlines for moving on with former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson.
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