Jones targets UFC rise after triumphant return

Mason Jones says he is "looking to explode" in the UFC's lightweight division following victory over Jeremy Stephens on his return to the promotion.

Competing in the octagon for the first time in nearly three years, the Welshman produced a mature and controlled performance to earn a unanimous-decision win at UFC Fight Night in Iowa earlier this month.

The 30-year-old, who had been out of UFC action since 2022, admitted the pressure was on to deliver after a previous stint that ended in frustration.

"If I had lost to Jeremy, it may have been the end of my career," Jones said.

"I built everything back to get another chance. I couldn't afford another slip-up."

Jones' previous UFC appearance had ended in defeat by Ludovit Klein, an experience he now sees as a key turning point.

"I screwed myself last time," he said. "I didn't listen to my coaches. This time, I promised I would."

Jones' new-found discipline was evident in the final round of a bruising contest against Stephens.

After two frantic rounds that left both fighters bloodied and without gumshields following heavy exchanges, Jones opted for control rather than chaos.

"It was a bit of a dogfight but in the third, I listened," he said.

"My corner told me I had to take him down and get the job done. That's exactly what I did."

Jones says he stuck to the game plan, prioritising his win bonus over the chance of a bonus-worthy finish.

"I know it's boring for fans but I'd rather make sure of the win than chase £50k," he said. "That third round probably cost me the bonus but I'll take the win every time."

The fight marked the end of the road for Stephens, a UFC veteran of more than 30 bouts, and Jones was quick to pay tribute.

"He's a beast and a legend in his own right," he said. "It was an honour to be the one to send him into retirement."

Back to business, but what next for Jones?

The win over Stephens was Jones' fifth victory in a row

Jones is waiting on news from the UFC, having asked to fight again in Abu Dhabi on 26 July.

With the lightweight division among the deepest in the sport, he knows patience and performance are key.

"The queue's always around the block three times at lightweight," he said.

"Even if I can skip a few spots, it all depends on who they want to match me with."

Jones believes a combination of renewed focus, improved tactical discipline and having a team he trusts mean the Stephens victory could mark the start of a more successful chapter in the UFC.

And having returned to the promotion in style, the Blaenavon product says fans are yet to see his best.

"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."