MASON Jones insists he deserves a showdown with one of the lightweight division's big names to prove a Cage Warriors title fight is not too far away, writes Jason Batty.

Former professional boxer Jones made a huge statement in a bruising encounter at Cage Warriors 97 last Saturday, delivering a performance that lit up Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff.

Despite an early scare at the hands of Polish striker Kacper Formela, the Celtic Pride fighter improved his unbeaten MMA record to 6-0 with a hard-fought victory in the capital.

His tough opponent brought out the best in 23-year-old Blaenavon ace Jones, as the contest began and ended with a high-octane and brutal first round.

“He’s probably the most aggressive of anybody I have fought so far,” said Jones.

“He had that look in his eyes where he wanted it, he was coming for it, but I had told friends it would be over in one round!”

It was an eventful one round, with Jones on his back absorbing heavy shots from the Pole.

Jones added: “He caught me with a nice kick to the body.

"He then caught my head kick and fell in my guard, but it gave me a minute to compose myself.

“When I was ready I came back to my feet and started forcing him into my rhythm.

“I started hitting him with the jab, the one-two went through and that was that.

“Knees went through to the body and that was the end of his night.”

The composure and spirit showed by Jones would have made the rest of the lightweight division take notice – and Jones has no intention of stopping there.

“I want to fight the best and I think I deserve a big name right now to prove I’m close to a title shot,” he stated.

It was a night to remember for the one of the most active fighters on the Cage Warriors roster and Jones relished the new home of Welsh MMA.

“It was the best atmosphere I’ve ever walked out in!” he added. “It’s going to live with me for a long time. The atmosphere was ridiculous!

“The support I had before and after the fight, it really felt like the arena was behind me.”

Jones’ next opponent is yet to be named, but the Welshman has made clear his desire to fight both home and away.

The current Cage Warriors lightweight champion is Denmark’s Soren Bak, who defends his title in March next year.