A CONFIDENT Mason Jones has outlined the path he intends taking to the very top of mixed martial arts after becoming the new Cage Warriors world lightweight champion.

Blaenavon’s Jones showed why so many are tipping him to earn a UFC contract by beating Joe McColgan inside one round at the BEC Arena in Manchester last Friday.

In winning the vacant strap at the behind-closed-doors Cage Warriors 113 show, the 24-year-old also extended his unblemished professional record to 9-0.

A first defence of his crown this June – virus depending – is the former boxer’s next aim, with a call to join fellow Gwent fighters Jack Shore and Jack Marshman in the UFC on the cards after that.

“This is just a milestone for me,” said Jones of his title victory.

“I’m going to defend my title in June, maybe fight again, or as many times as I need until the UFC come calling, and then I’m going to look to cement my place as UFC lightweight champion.

“That’s going to be my journey.”

He added: “Put me in front of whoever you want, I’ll prove I’m better. I rise to challenges. Find me a new one and I’ll rise to that.

“I always look to perform and put on a fight of the night performance.

“My fights are always exciting, and I always come to impress the crowd or the audience back home.”

Jones overcame Northern Ireland’s McColgan after a disrupted build-up to the show, which was moved from London to Manchester due to Covid-19.

He also had to overcome several changes of opponent before getting his hands on the prized golden belt, one previously in the possession of MMA great Conor McGregor.

Jones said: “I was meant to fight an Italian. He had issues with different things back home and I wish him all the best.

“I then had a French opponent who had to pull out a few days before with conjunctivitis, and then they offered me Joe.

“I called my coaches and they gave me the nod within 15 minutes, and we were ready to go.

“It doesn’t matter who they are, they all fall the same way. Just put them in front of me and I’ll break them. It’s just the way it goes.”

In the immediate future, Jones is spending time with his family as the country shuts up shop in a bid to see off coronavirus.

“I’m just going to spend time with my family, hopefully they’ll all stay healthy,” he said.

“I’m going to spend a week or two off and then maybe go for a walk around the garden.”