Abdullah Mason retains WBO title with final-round comeback KO

Abdullah Mason stopped Albert Bell in the final round Saturday night in Cleveland, retaining his WBO lightweight title with a dramatic comeback knockout after entering the 12th frame trailing on the unofficial scorecards.

Mason, 22, improved to 22-0 by erasing a deficit against the previously undefeated Bell, who entered 28-0 and held the IBF and NABA lightweight straps. MMA Mania reports that Mason asked his corner between rounds whether he needed a stoppage to win, then delivered exactly that when they told him to leave it all in the ring.

Mason drops Bell twice in final round to secure stoppage

The Cleveland native stormed out for the 12th and floored Bell with a combination in the opening five seconds. A second knockdown followed moments later, at which point the referee waved off the contest without giving Bell a count. Ringside commentators questioned the official's decision to halt the bout immediately rather than allow Bell an opportunity to continue.

"Mason could be seen asking his corner if he needed a stoppage right before heading out for the final round," per the MMA Mania report. "His team implored him to go all out…and he did just that."

The finish capped a back-and-forth scrap in which Mason trailed by a point entering the final stanza. The young lightweight now holds the WBO title and remains unbeaten in a division crowded with talent.

No word yet on Mason's next defense or potential unification bout.

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• MMA Mania — Knockout! Abdullah Mason pulls off dramatic come-from-behind win in final round | Video