UFC London: Mason Jones vs Axel Sola Prediction & Analysis
One of the most intriguing lightweight matchups on the UFC London prelim card pits Welsh veteran Mason Jones against unbeaten French prospect Axel Sola. With both men fresh off impressive wins in the UFC, this fight has genuine implications for where each sits in the lightweight picture going forward.
Fighter Analysis: Mason Jones
Jones became a two-division Cage Warriors champion, holding Lightweight and Welterweight titles simultaneously. He built his base through judo competition before later adding pro boxing experience. His skills and basic approach are the same as ever, only fueled by increased strength, conditioning and confidence after a second stint in the Octagon.
On the feet, he is a fairly big-framed lightweight with good combination boxing in the pocket, solid midrange striking and a willingness to work the body. He has an underrated takedown game and good judo trips and throws as he demonstrated with a Performance of the Night finish over Bolaji Oki in September 2025. Fighting in front of a partisan home crowd at The O2 adds further motivation.
Fighter Analysis: Axel Sola
Sola is a kickboxer by training and inclination who, despite his long frame, does some of his best work in close quarters, exploding with flurries of punches, including heavy body shots, punctuated by chopping short-range leg kicks.
He makes good use of well-timed level changes; even if he doesn’t secure a takedown, he uses the shot to close the distance, run his foe to the fence and apply solid dirty boxing. Despite being undefeated, Sola enters as a slight betting underdog, with this fight marking his lightweight debut after previously competing at welterweight.
SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
Tale of the Tape
| Fighter | Record | Style |
| Mason Jones | 17-2, 1 NC | Grappling-first, combination boxer |
| Axel Sola | 11-0-1 | Kickboxer, high-volume striker |
Mason Jones vs Axel Sola Analysis
This is a classic striker vs grappler contest with both men operating at a similar overall level. Jones will look to close distance, secure takedowns and grind out rounds through positional control. Sola will want to keep it standing, use his speed and landing his heavy hands to pick Jones apart.
Jones is the type of fighter who builds wins through smart, systematic control. He does not make mistakes and does not get drawn into exchanges that don’t suit him, and his grappling gives him a consistent plan B. The key question is whether Sola’s takedown defense can hold up across three rounds. Jones can nullify the punching power of Sola with takedowns and punish him with ground-and-pound, and by his powerful elbow strikes.
Of the two, Jones has more high-level experience and probably the better overall wrestling and grappling game, while Sola might be just a tick faster with the hands and feet. If Sola can keep this standing and sustain his output, he has the tools to win. But Jones’ grappling and ring-generalship across three rounds should prove the deciding factor.
When And Where
The bout takes place on the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night: Evloev vs. Murphy on March 21, 2026, at The O2 Arena in London, in the Lightweight division.
How To Watch
The event will be broadcast live via Paramount+ and streamed through UFC Fight Pass and regional partners worldwide.
Prediction
Sola’s power makes this dangerous, but Jones’ experience, wrestling pedigree and home advantage should see him through across three disciplined rounds.
Final Prediction: Mason Jones via unanimous decision
(Image Credit: @harmheerebeek – X)
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