ClutchPoints just isn’t affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way connected to any sportsbook. Gambling just isn’t offered on this website in any form.
It is time for UFC London’s Featured Prelim bout of the night as we bring you a prediction and pick for the Lightweight (155) tilt. Mason Jones of Wales will tackle France’s Axel Sola in a coin-flip matchup between two highly-skilled fighters. Check our UFC odds series for the Jones-Sola prediction and pick.
Mason Jones (17-2) has gone 3-2-0-1 since joining the UFC roster in 2021. After an unsuccessful UFC stint from 2021-22, Jones went 4-0 in Cage Warriors and has since notched back-to-back wins since returning for his second opportunity. He is available in the near-even favorite standing 5-foot-10 with a 74-inch reach.
Axel Sola (11-0-1) will make his g second UFC appearance following a successful TKO debut over Rhys McKee. He was the previous champion at Ares FC with a six-fight unbeaten streak, coming in trying to make one other impression against a fellow prospect. Sola stands 6-foot-2 with a 74-inch reach.
UFC London Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC London Odds: Mason Jones-Axel Sola Odds
Mason Jones: -122
Axel Sola: +102
Over 2.5 rounds: -188
Under 2.5 rounds: +145
Why Mason Jones Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Bolaji Oki – TKO (ground-and-pound, R2)
- Last 5: 5-0
- Finishes: 8 KO/TKO, 3 SUB
Mason Jones turned in his most impressive performance his last trip against Bolaji Oki, silencing one other solid prospect with an unlikely finish. Jones was the slight -150 favorite during that fight, but he on a totally different level from Oki within the grappling. Taking mount, he managed to land devastating elbows to complete the fight, putting his ground control and aggressive offense on full display.
Jones will come into this fight a fair shorter favorite facing a dynamic kickboxer in Axel Sola. He’s controlled the striking totals during his previous few fights, but he cannot afford to fall behind or lend himself to a brawl against his seasoned opponent. Jones’ real advantage might be within the grappling and on the mat where he’s capable of chain takedowns and chase submission attempts.
Jones can even fight behind a formidable 81% takedown defense, but he should not be all too anxious about Sola shooting takedowns or initiating the grappling. The truth is, Jones needs to be the one leading the dance and dictating where this fight takes place for almost all, likely why he’s listed with the slight edge to win.
Why Axel Sola Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Rhys McKee – TKO (body shot to ground strikes, R3)
- Last 5: 4-0-1
- Finishes: 6 KO/TKO, 1 SUB
Axel Sola will look to construct upon the momentum from his UFC debut after taking out Rhys McKee with a body shot and ground strikes within the third round. Sola was actually barely behind in the primary two rounds due to formidable defense from each side, but his precision and talent to take advantage of the body late within the fight ultimately earned him the win. This time around, he’ll should be all of the more precise against a stronger opponent defensively in Jones.
Sola may be very relaxed in his stance and typically stays fairly mobile when moving laterally. He plants his front foot when opening his striking exchanges and throws short, yet powerful hooks in succession before ending along with his cross right hand. He’s also very willing to throw knees and have interaction within the clinch, but his best results come from range and picking his opponent apart.
To win this fight, Sola will definitely should improve his takedown defense and effectively defend the submissions throughout this fight. He should give you the chance to carry his own on the feet and threaten Jones with accurate mixtures, but the actual test might be whether he can defend the submission attempts and get back to his feet.
Final Mason Jones-Axel Sola Prediction & Pick
Each fighters are riding their very own waves of momentum heading into this fight and the chances are nearly even given their comparable skill sets. Mason Jones is definitely the higher grappler and has more experience facing competition at this level. Axel Sola has the potential to take control within the striking exchanges, but provided that he’s capable of hurt Jones early and stuff the takedowns that may inevitably come if Jones falls behind.
Nevertheless, we have seen Mason Jones make a concerted effort to enhance his striking in the previous couple of fights and he’s prone to put his boxing chops on full display on this one. Axel Sola will welcome the striking exchanges, but Jones can have the deeper arsenal to work with having the wrestling as his backup plan.
For our final prediction, we’ll should side with the experience and well-round skill set of Mason Jones to prevail on this fight. He has more ways to win and more ways to dictate where the fight takes place, so we’ll feel comfortable taking Jones and the over.
Final Mason Jones-Axel Sola Prediction & Pick: Mason Jones (-122); OVER 2.5 Rounds (-118)