Mason Jones Earns Unanimous Decision Over Axel Sola in Thrilling UFC London Prelim

London – In a fight that immediately generated “Fight of the Night” buzz, Mason Jones extended his win streak to seven with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Axel Sola at UFC Fight Night 270 on Saturday. The lightweight contest, held at The O2 in London, delivered a relentless three rounds of action, punctuated by striking exchanges and remarkable displays of resilience from both fighters.

A Fight For the Ages

Jones (18-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Sola (11-1-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) wasted little time establishing a frenetic pace. The opening round saw Sola land a spinning back elbow that momentarily stunned Jones, sending him reeling. However, Jones demonstrated his toughness, weathering the initial storm and responding with a well-timed knee that opened a significant cut beneath Sola’s right eye. This marked a turning point, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a grueling battle.

The second round continued the intense exchange, with both fighters landing significant strikes. Sola, despite the cut, remained aggressive, pressing forward and engaging in close-quarters combat. Jones, however, began to locate his rhythm, utilizing a more varied attack and consistently targeting the injured area. The round concluded with Sola’s face visibly marked, a testament to the relentless pressure applied by Jones.

Jones Takes Control in the Third

The final round saw Jones seize control of the fight. He opened with a powerful head kick that visibly rocked Sola, forcing the Frenchman into survival mode. Jones capitalized on Sola’s compromised state, unleashing a barrage of strikes – head kicks, knees, and punches – that repeatedly tested Sola’s endurance. Sola, showing incredible heart, attempted to clinch and weather the storm, but Jones skillfully maintained distance and continued to piece him up.

In the closing moments, Sola, pressed against the cage, absorbed a series of knees from Jones. While not enough to secure a stoppage, the sustained attack underscored Jones’ dominance in the round. The fight went the distance, with Jones ultimately earning the unanimous decision from all three judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

A Comeback Performance for “The Dragon”

The victory marks Jones’ third consecutive win since returning to the UFC in May 2025. Following the fight, a visibly exhausted Jones expressed his determination to climb the ranks. “Very tough,” Jones said in a post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. “I’ve never given up. I’m going to the f*cking top.”

The fight was a testament to Sola’s courage and tenacity. Despite suffering the first defeat of his professional career, the former Ares FC champion demonstrated his willingness to engage in a grueling battle and left a lasting impression on the UFC audience. His coach, Aldric Cassata, was heard urging Sola between rounds to push through the fatigue and find a finishing blow, as captured in a viral clip shared on social media. “Axel, he’s fatiguing. We accelerate in the third, we give it everything, it’s in the head. We want this fight. We go for it, the left will land. Third round, give it everything, send it, set the pace. We’ll have him!”

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

With this win, Mason Jones is poised to move towards the top 15 of the UFC lightweight division. His relentless pressure and ability to overcome adversity have established him as a rising contender in the division. His next opponent remains to be seen, but a matchup against a ranked opponent would be a logical step forward.

Axel Sola, despite the loss, has undoubtedly earned the respect of the UFC and its fanbase. The experience gained in this hard-fought battle will be invaluable as he continues his journey in the organization. Sola will likely need to recover and regroup before returning to the Octagon, but his future in the UFC appears bright.

UFC London similarly featured several other notable results, including victories for Nathaniel Wood, Mario Pinto, Mantas Kondratavicius, Brando Pericic, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, and Shanelle Dyer. However, it was the clash between Jones and Sola that stole the show, delivering a memorable performance that will be talked about for some time to come.

The event, held at The O2 Arena in London, drew a significant crowd and showcased the growing popularity of MMA in the United Kingdom. The atmosphere was electric, and the fans were treated to a night of thrilling action.

For Axel Sola, this loss represents a setback, but not a defeat of spirit. He proved his mettle against a tough opponent and demonstrated the heart of a true competitor. The UFC has gained a new fan favorite in Sola, and his future remains full of potential.

The next scheduled UFC event is UFC 300, taking place on April 13th. Fans can stay updated on all UFC news and events by visiting the official UFC website.