Mason Jones (fighter)


Mason Jones is a Welsh mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former two-division Cage Warriors champion, holding the Lightweight and Welterweight championships simultaneously.

Background

Mason Jones began martial arts at the age of 6, starting out with Kickboxing, before later incorporating Judo, Boxing, and Jiu-Jitsu. He was a top 5 National Judoka and a pro boxer, who went 3-0 before making a move into MMA. On his UFC profile, Jones says he is an avid Muay Thai and Taekwondo fighter.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

At the age of 16, Jones made his amateur MMA debut in Grapple and Strike, taking many years off before he was set again to appear in an amateur bout at 21. This was due to a series of pull-outs forcing him into another amateur fight. After a series of pullouts, David Adonis stepped up to fight Jones at Cage Warriors 83, with Jones winning via Kimura.
After fighting David Adonis, Jones made his pro debut. At Cage Warriors 87, he fought Shaun Luther, where he was able to submit Luther with a rear-naked choke with just twelve seconds of the fight remaining.
Wales’ first Arena MMA show was Cage Warriors 97, with Jones in the co-main event against Kacper Formela. Despite facing trouble early in the first round, he was able to land his jab and started to take control of the bout, before landing a jumping knee in the latter stages of the round, resulting in Jones ending the bout with a flurry of knees.
For the first time, Jones headlined Cage Warriors 108 on 12 October 2019 in Cardiff against Finnish Standout Aleksi Mäntykivi. He controlled the fight, resulting in judge scores of 30-25, 30-25, 30-26.
Jones was originally booked to fight former UFC fighter Danilo Belluardo at Cage Warriors 113, however, due to travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Belluardo was unable to leave Italy and with Joe McColgan’s opponent also not being able to come into the country, they were matched against each other for the vacant Cage Warriors Lightweight Championship. During the fight, Jones had the advantage on the feet, and a flurry of knees from him once again forced a first round stoppage.
In September 2020, Jones faced Adam Proctor at Cage Warriors 116 for the vacant Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship. With another first round stoppage win, he became only the second two-division champion in Cage Warriors history, second only to Conor McGregor.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Jones made his UFC debut against Mike Davis at UFC on ESPN: Magny vs. Chiesa on 20 January 2021. He lost a close fight via unanimous decision. He earned a Fight of the Night bonus for his performance.
Jones faced Alan Patrick on 5 June 2021 at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai. In the second round, after being poked in the eye accidentally by Jones, Patrick was unable to continue and the bout was declared a No Contest.
A rematch with Patrick was scheduled for 23 October 2021 at UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori. However, Patrick withdrew from bout and he was replaced by newcomer David Onama. Jones won the fight via unanimous decision.
Jones faced Ľudovít Klein, replacing Ignacio Bahamondes, on 23 July 2022 at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
In September 2022, it was reported that Jones had fought out his contract and elected not to re-sign with the organization.

Return to Cage Warriors

Returning to Cage Warriors, Jones faced Claudio Ribeiro on 29 July 2023 at Cage Warriors 158, winning the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round.
Jones faced Yann Liasse on 14 October 2023 at Cage Warriors 161, defeating him via TKO stoppage in the second round.
Jones faced Bryce Logan on 23 February 2024 at Cage Warriors 166, winning via TKO stoppage in the second round.
Jones faced Michael Pagani on 25 July 2024 at Cage Warriors 175, defeating him via unanimous decision.

Return to UFC

After four successive wins away from the promotion, on 23 February 2025, it was reported that Jones had re-signed to the UFC with a four-fight contract.
Jones faced Jeremy Stephens on 3 May 2025 at UFC on ESPN 67. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Jones faced Bolaji Oki on 6 September 2025, at UFC Fight Night 258. He won the fight by technical knockout via elbows in the second round. This fight earned him his first Performance of the Night award.
Jones is scheduled to face Axel Sola on 21 March 2026 at UFC Fight Night 270.

Grappling career

Jones was scheduled to compete against Nathaniel Wood in a superfight at Polaris 27 on 23 March 2024. However, for unknown reasons, the bout did not take place.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship