The best fight of 2026 so far took place on the UFC London prelims.
Saturday’s UFC card in England’s capital divided opinion when it was announced. But while some of the biggest UK names were missing, there were still plenty who had the chance to impress close to home.
Among them was Wales’ Mason Jones, who headlined the preliminary card against undefeated Frenchman Axel Sola.
After a lackluster run of fights, the pair got the London crowd to their feet with an absolute war.
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Mason Jones wins ‘best fight of 2026’ so far at UFC London
Many were expecting ‘Fight of the Year’ talk this month to be centered around Max Holloway’s BMF title defense against Charles Oliveira in the UFC 326 main event.
That fight disappointed, so much so that some have even been questioning the Brazilian legend’s status as BMF champion.
And fans may have identified a more fitting titleholder after what transpired at The O2 on March 21.
Jones and Axel Sola put on a barnburner in London, trading hard blows and leaving each other bloodied across three rounds.
‘The Dragon’ ultimately overcame a knockdown to have his hand raised via unanimous decision, and fans have already been crowning the lightweight prospect the new BMF king.
“Give Mason Jones the BMF belt right now.”
“Fight of the year! Give Mason Jones the BMF belt.”
“Sola vs Jones, that’s BMF status. THAT’S A BMF FIGHT! Tell Charles to take notes and learn.”
“Mason Jones is the real BMF.”
“Someone tell @CharlesDoBronxs (Oliveira) this was a BMF fight #UFCLondon Jones vs Sola”
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The Welshman has now won three fights in a row since he was re-signed by the UFC in 2025. After Jones beat Jeremy Stephens in his return last May, a TKO against Bolaji Oki earned him a bonus in Paris four months later.
Sola, meanwhile, had his professional record blemished for the first time. The former Ares FC champion opened his UFC account last year with a victory over Ireland’s Rhys McKee.