Former UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens signs back with the promotion after a very successful BKFC stint, set to fight on May 3!
Jeremy Stephens is coming home! The man who once famously got asked by Conor McGregor “who the fook is that guy?” is returning to the UFC after a successful stint in bare-knuckle boxing. Stephens built his reputation as being one of the most ferocious punchers in MMA history. His highlight reel is filled with brutal knockouts that made fans jump out of their seats.
He began his UFC journey way back in 2007 when many current fighters were still in school. Over the next 14 years, ‘Lil Heathen’ would become a fixture in the promotion. He faced a murderer’s row of opponents including Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and countless others. While championship gold eluded him, Stephens earned something perhaps more valuable; the respect of fans who knew when he stepped in the cage, violence was guaranteed.
The UFC is bringing Stephens back for a perfect storyline; a fight in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa on May 3rd. He will face Mason Jones in what promises to be a fan-friendly scrap. Jones, who went 4-0 with three knockouts in Cage Warriors after his first UFC stint, is no pushover. The matchup makes perfect sense for both fighters.
This fight will likely steal the show despite the card featuring bigger names like Bo Nickal and Reinier De Ridder. Local fans will pack the Wells Fargo Arena to see their hometown hero. The energy when Stephens walks out will be electric. Having fought in arenas worldwide, this moment might feel most special. Fighting at home brings extra pressure, but Stephens has never been one to crack under stress. If anything, he thrives when emotions run high and fists start flying.
Stephens’ UFC record tells the story of a fighter who faced the absolute best. His 15-19 (1 NC) UFC record might not look impressive at first glance. But context matters here. He fought killers in every bout and never took the easy path. His willingness to throw down with anyone earned him a special place in fans’ hearts. With seven knockout victories, Stephens lived up to his self-proclaimed title as the “Real hardest hitting 145 pounder.“
| Fights | By Knockout | By Submission | By Decision |
| Win | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Loss | 3 | 3 | 13 |
After leaving the UFC in 2021, Stephens reinvented himself in bare-knuckle boxing. He found immediate success in BKFC, going 3-0 with victories over Jimmie Rivera, Bobby Taylor, and most impressively, Eddie Alvarez. The win over former UFC champion Alvarez in January’s Knuckle Mania 5 main event proved Stephens still had plenty left in the tank.
The bare-knuckle format suited his aggressive style perfectly – no gloves meant even more devastating power in those famous hands. His BKFC success clearly caught the UFC’s attention and opened the door for this comeback opportunity.
| Fights | By Knockout | By Decision |
| Win | 2 | 1 |
| Loss | 0 | 0 |
Now, at 38 years old, Stephens isn’t chasing a title anymore. He’s fighting for legacy, for fans, and for the pure joy of competition. The Des Moines crowd will witness a fighter who embodies the spirit of MMA – tough, resilient, and always game. Whether this is the beginning of a final UFC chapter or just a one-night homecoming special, ‘Lil Heathen’ has already cemented his place in fighting history.
(Image Credit: Bob DeChiara – Imagn Images)
