Mason Jones is targeting a ranked opponent in his next UFC outing after extending his winning streak with an impressive performance on Saturday night.
Jones (18-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) outpointed Axel Sola (11-0-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in a high-paced three-round bout that secured “Fight of the Night” honors, with both fighters taking home $100,000 bonuses. The win marked Jones’ third consecutive victory since returning to the UFC for his second stint with the promotion.
The 29-year-old’s first run in the UFC between 2021 and 2022 yielded mixed results, as he went 1-2 with one no contest before parting ways with the organization. Jones rebuilt momentum in Cage Warriors with three straight wins, earning a return to the UFC, where he has since defeated Jeremy Stephens, Bolaji Oki, and now Sola.
Speaking to TNT Sports following his victory in London, Jones made it clear that he believes he has earned a shot at a top-15 opponent in the lightweight division.
“My next fight needs to be a top 15 (opponent),” Jones said. “I'm happy to wait. We're going to Texas in May. We're going to watch the PBR. I want to take a little break, mend the body, mend the soul, more than anything, because I've been pushing so hard since (the win over Oki in) Paris.”
Jones also reflected on the delays that led up to his latest appearance, explaining that multiple planned fights fell through before the opportunity to compete at London’s O2 Arena materialized.
“We were meant to fight in November, November didn’t happen,” he said. “I was meant to fight again after that, I was waiting for December, that didn’t happen, they kept pushing it back. And when London was offered, no one says no to London for a British guy. So we waited for London.”
Despite facing a physically imposing opponent in Sola, Jones expressed confidence in his performance and reiterated his desire to step up in competition.
“I got the win against someone who's six foot two, should be a welterweight,” Jones said. “He's very dangerous and I beat him. So for me, we'll wait till whenever. I don't care. Get in touch with my manager and let’s get top 15 sorted towards the end of the year.”
