Mason Jones has declared his intention to make a significant impact in the UFC lightweight division after securing a victory over Jeremy Stephens in his much-anticipated return to the octagon. The fight, which took place at UFC Fight Night in Iowa, marked Jones' first appearance in nearly three years and showcased a mature and controlled performance that earned him a unanimous decision win.

Jones, who had been absent from UFC since 2022, acknowledged the immense pressure to perform, especially after a previous stint that ended in frustration. "If I had lost to Jeremy, it may have been the end of my career," Jones admitted. "I built everything back to get another chance. I couldn't afford another slip-up."

The 30-year-old Welshman reflected on his past defeat by Ludovit Klein as a pivotal moment in his career. "I screwed myself last time," he said. "I didn't listen to my coaches. This time, I promised I would." This renewed discipline was evident in the final round of his bruising contest against Stephens, where Jones opted for control over chaos, following his corner's advice to secure the win.

Jones emphasized the importance of sticking to the game plan, even if it meant sacrificing a potential bonus-worthy finish. "I know it's boring for fans but I'd rather make sure of the win than chase £50k," he explained. "That third round probably cost me the bonus but I'll take the win every time."

The fight also marked the end of Stephens' illustrious career, and Jones was quick to pay tribute to the UFC veteran. "He's a beast and a legend in his own right," Jones said. "It was an honour to be the one to send him into retirement."

Looking ahead, Jones is eager to continue his ascent in the UFC lightweight division, with his sights set on a fight in Abu Dhabi on 26 July. He remains focused on maintaining his performance and patience in one of the sport's most competitive divisions. "The queue's always around the block three times at lightweight," Jones noted. "Even if I can skip a few spots, it all depends on who they want to match me with."

Jones believes that his renewed focus, improved tactical discipline, and a trusted team could mark the beginning of a more successful chapter in the UFC. "Before the fight, people said I was just a punching bag," he said. "I've shown them that's not true - but I still think I've only shown about 15% of what I can do. The sooner I get back in there and do what I do best - smashing people - the sooner I can really make a statement."