ROSS "The Boss" Mason electrified a packed out Aston Events Centre after a second round knockout of rescheduled opponent Charlie "The Ninja" Francis on Sunday night.
Mixed martial artist Mason, who hadn't fought since September was roared on by a small army of his fans at the centre and the 28-year-old didn't disappoint.
Despite the last minute change of opponents from Bosnian Amir Subasic to Londoner Francis, Mason looked confident as he entered the ring but it was his opponent who took the advantage as the first five-minute round started.
Francis dominated the mount from the word go and Mason had to suffer several nasty looking blows to the head and ribs to gain position.
But once up seconds before the end of the first Mason showed his strength on two feet by knocking Francis to the floor with a right hook sending the now raucous crowd into raptures.
Francis had the break to recover and in the second round the fight went to the ground again almost from its start.
The Londoner tried everything but the Redditch fighter was still fresh and eventually summoned up a superb manoeuvre over his fast-tiring opponent to turn him over and give him a taste of his own medicine.
The technically superior Mason then ground down his man and with just over 30 seconds of the second round remaining, the referee had to dive in quickly to stop Francis taking any more punishment.
"I'm very pleased with my performance," said Mason.
"I was being pounded in the first round, but I knew I had the strength to get though it and I could feel Francis tiring.
"The support was fantastic. I must thank everyone who came along. This was my first fight since September, so I knew I had to be sharp and with my corner team, who were superb, it's a good result for me".
The win, his eighth in MMA, means that Mason is still undefeated by a UK opponent.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article