The 30-year-old is excited to fight on home soil after bouts in the United States and France in his past two outings in the UFC.<\/p>\n
“It’s going to be a massive change for me,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I fought a Des Moines local in Des Moines, so I was massively away there, then fought a Belgian guy in Paris.<\/p>\n
“It’ll be nice to hear the crowd for me for a change.”<\/p>\n
Jones is hopeful that a win will push him into contention for a top 15 opponent in the lightweight rankings.<\/p>\n
“When I signed back to the UFC, I said three foundational fights, to secure my footings in the UFC, then I’ll get a top 15.<\/p>\n
“If I beat Axel Sola on March 21, I’ll be calling for a top 15 opponent.<\/p>\n
“If I don’t get one, I’ll get an eliminator for the top 15.”<\/p>\n
Jones said it is a prospect the UFC have mentioned in passing.<\/p>\n
“They’re interested in seeing me touch that top 15,” he added.<\/p>\n
“I’m happy to win points, to outpoint him for three five-minute rounds. <\/p>\n
“I’m always looking to finish with the excitement of putting him away, but if I can outpoint him I will. <\/p>\n
“If I finish him, they’ll offer me a top 15 fight next fight.”<\/p>\n