Axel Sola

Axel Pierrick Sola (born 17 September 1997) is a French mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background Born in Nice, France, Sola trains out of Boxing Squad. He represents France.

Sola began training in martial arts at the age of 15, joining the Boxing Squad in Nice with encouragement from his uncle. As an amateur, he won a gold medal at the 2019 IMMAF European Open Championships and earned silver medals at the World Amateur Championships on two occasions. He trains under coach Jerome Vaulerin and later joined the KHK MMA Team in Bahrain to pursue a professional career.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Sola began his professional MMA career in 2021, fighting for the Brave Combat Federation (BCF). He accumulated an undefeated promotional record of 5-0 across 2021 and 2022, securing notable wins against Wawrzyniec Bartnik, Yoon Sung-jang, Wladimir Holodenko, and Matheus Miranda.

Ares Fighting Championship In 2023, Sola transitioned to Ares Fighting Championship (AFC). Over the next two years, he continued his unbeaten streak, scoring stoppage victories over Cesar Arzamendia, Turpal Younousov, Soslan Gagloev, and Lucas Caio. In June 2024, Sola fought to a five-round majority draw against Daguir Imavov. He rounded out his tenure in the promotion with a five-round unanimous decision win against Ghiles Oudelha in June 2025, successfully defending his title four times during this run.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Sola made his UFC debut on 6 September 2025, taking on Rhys McKee at UFC Fight Night 258. He won the fight via technical knockout in the third round.

Sola faced Mason Jones on 21 March 2026 at UFC Fight Night 270. He lost the fight via unanimous decision, marking the first defeat of his professional MMA career. This fight earned him a $100,000 Fight of the Night award.

Rebounding from this loss, Sola fought Ismael Bonfim on 25 July 2026 at UFC Fight Night 282. He won the fight via D'Arce choke submission in the first round.

Sola faced Fares Ziam on 5 September 2026 at UFC Fight Night 287. He won the bout via technical knockout early in the first round following an overhand left and ground strikes. This fight earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night award.

Personal life Sola was raised in a middle-class household in the eastern district of Nice, France. Both of his parents worked as nurses. He has three older sisters, all of whom followed traditional corporate and academic career trajectories. Prior to pursuing his mixed martial arts career full-time, he was employed as a deckhand on a yacht.

Following his mother’s early advice, he enrolled in a sports science faculty (STAPS). He spent five years at the university, earning both a bachelor’s degree (licence) and a master’s degree in sport science while concurrently competing on the amateur MMA circuit.

Outside of fighting, Sola enjoys scuba diving, which he uses for relaxation and as a breathing exercise to aid his performance. He has cited the fictional character Batman as a personal hero, stating that he views the character as an aspirational blueprint for his own life.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (One time) Performance of the Night (One time) Ares Fighting Championship Ares FC Lightweight Championship (One time; former) Four successful title defenses

Mixed martial arts record

See also List of current UFC fighters List of male mixed martial artists

References

Axel Sola

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