May 3, 2025; Des Moines, Iowa, UNITED STATES; Mason Jones (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Jeremy Stephens (not depicted) during UFC Fight Night at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Lightweight bouts perfectly combine tactical skill and intense excitement. Fireworks often accompany the entrance of two powerful young fighters into the octagon. This weekend at UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs Borralho, fans can expect just that as Bolaji Oki faces Mason Jones in a match full of potential thrills.
Bolaji Oki, hailing from Nigeria, has been steadily elevating his profile in the UFC. Meanwhile, Welsh contender Mason Jones looks to reclaim his spot after facing a tough defeat that momentarily knocked him off the roster. After two years battling back through regional circuits, Jones has remained undefeated in Cage Warriors, earning him another chance at the premier stage. Both fighters share a tenacious desire that makes lightweight matchups so captivating.
Bolaji Oki vs Mason Jones Preview
Bolaji Oki (10-2) is 5’10” and boasts a 73-inch reach. He delivers an average of 7.05 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the most active competitors in the lightweight division. With a 45% striking accuracy, nearly half of his strikes are effective, applying continuous pressure that wears down opponents. Oki also displays solid defense, with 62% strike defense and an 85% takedown defense, indicating his preference for keeping fights standing where he can maximize his output.
Mason Jones (16-2-1NC) also stands at 5’10” but has a longer reach of 74 inches. He averages 5.56 significant strikes per minute with a 41% accuracy, showcasing a more calculated approach to his striking. What distinguishes Jones is his wrestling ability; he averages 4.24 takedowns every 15 minutes with a 52% success rate. However, he has a striking defense of just 48%, a statistic that highlights his tendency to engage in brawls rather than utilizing evasive maneuvers or takedowns.
Bolaji Oki vs Mason Jones MMA Betting Odds
According to FanDuel, Mason Jones is slightly favored to win, with odds of -142. In contrast, Bolaji Oki is the underdog at +116. This line reflects the bookmakers’ views on Jones’s more diversified skill set and his capability to dictate the fight’s pace.
The odds also indicate that it’s less likely for this fight to finish early, with odds of (+100) suggesting that a decision is probable. Odds for the bout going to the judges stand at -128.
Bolaji Oki vs Mason Jones Prediction And Picks
This matchup presents a classic battle between a striker and a grappler, both possessing the versatility to keep things intriguing. Oki’s high-volume striking can pose challenges for anyone trying to close the distance, but Jones’s wrestling skills might allow him to take the fight to the ground, reducing Oki’s effectiveness. The pivotal question remains whether Jones can avoid brawling when Oki begins to find his rhythm.
For Jones to emerge victorious, he needs to maintain discipline and effectively manage the fight. His takedown success rate hints that he could bring Oki to the mat, where he can capitalize on his top control and submission attempts to neutralize Oki’s striking output. However, his vulnerable striking defense could lead to trouble against an opponent who unleashes over seven strikes per minute.
Oki’s best strategy lies in overwhelming Jones with a barrage of strikes, pushing him into a brawl where any defensive weaknesses can be exploited. His 62% striking defense enhances his ability to weather Jones’s power while landing enough strikes to potentially sway the judges’ scorecards in his favor.
In our betting prediction, we lean towards Mason Jones winning by unanimous decision.
(All odds sourced from FanDuel.)
(Image Credit: Reese Strickland – Imagn Images)
