Jesse Ronson has walked this path before, and deep down he always knew his return was inevitable.
The Canadian Ronson (21-10) prepares to launch his second UFC chapter in a welterweight showdown against Denmark's Nicolas Dalby (18-3-1) at UFC Fight Island 3 on Saturday evening in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Ronson stepped in on short notice when Dalby's intended opponent, Danny Roberts, withdrew due to injury.
His original UFC run, which kicked off in 2013, proved challenging — he fell to Michel Prazeres, Francisco Trinaldo, and Kevin Lee, all by split decision.
Given how that first chapter unfolded and the growth he's experienced since, Ronson, 34, feels earning another chance inside the octagon was overdue.
"It's taken a long time to get here," Ronson told MMA Empire. "I feel confident stepping back in now — I'm more mature, a sharper fighter, more complete across all areas, and I've got the mental toughness I lacked back in 2013."
"I truly believe this is the perfect moment. It couldn't have landed any better."
Ronson embraces the Fight Island experience
Among all the venues available, Ronson is getting his comeback on the final Fight Island card — a historic night featuring 15 scheduled bouts.
With the massive buzz surrounding Fight Island over recent months and the mounting anticipation for this particular card, Ronson expressed gratitude at being part of the story.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a historic moment, and I'm proud to be involved," Ronson shared.
"With other sports sidelined, I finally get my spotlight. I'm bringing every skill I've developed. I'm one of two Canadians on this card, so they'll likely air all the replays on Sportscentre. People will finally understand who I really am."
Across his 31-fight professional record, this marks the first time Ronson will compete without spectators — a reality shaped by ongoing COVID-19 protocols.
Ronson doesn't anticipate the empty arena affecting his performance, comparing the atmosphere to a routine gym sparring session.
"It'll feel exactly like sparring in the gym," Ronson explained. "Just me, one training partner, and my coach — that's the setup on Saturday."
"I actually prefer it. I'll hear everything clearly, stay relaxed, and won't have to worry about crowd reactions."
Ronson maintained peak conditioning throughout
While many competitors adjusted their preparation or faced training disruptions, Ronson kept his edge sharp.
Even with fewer training partners around, Ronson has stayed consistent since the pandemic began in March.
"The pandemic never halted my preparation," Ronson noted.
"I kept my training crew tight — just the same five guys I work with. It's worked well, and I haven't lost a step. I'm as ready as I've ever been."
Dalby shares Ronson's status of returning for a second UFC stint. The Dane came back in September with a unanimous decision over Alex Oliveira. His sole victory during his initial UFC period came against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, and he also battled Darren Till — one half of Saturday's main event — to a majority draw.
Beyond the common perception of Dalby as a slugger, Ronson views him as a far more calculated and versatile competitor.
"People label Dalby as a brawler, but he's far from dumb," Ronson said. "Maybe during his first run he fought recklessly, but now he's tactical and deliberate. If striking isn't working, he drops for the takedown. He's comfortable clinching and brings genuine well-roundedness to the sport."
"That said, I'm quicker, I pack more power, and my wrestling game is superior."
