Jeremy Stephens bid farewell to the UFC in 2022 after a long and successful career with the promotion, marking the end of an era that spanned over 15 years and 30 fights.
After exploring opportunities in professional boxing, MMA with the PFL, and bare-knuckle fighting with an undefeated run in BKFC, Stephens made a surprising decision to sign a one-fight deal to return to the UFC at an upcoming event in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa on May 3.
Curious about how this unexpected turn of events came about?
Stephens explained, “I never got cut from the UFC. I felt like there might have been some lingering bad blood, so I decided to explore other options. After watching UFC fights, I felt confident that I could still compete at that level. With the encouragement of my wife, I reached out to Dana White to express my interest in returning.”
Stephens messaged Dana White on Instagram and received a positive response, leading to the opportunity to return to the UFC for a one-off fight.
Reflecting on the sequence of events, Stephens shared, “It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m grateful for the chance to continue my journey in the UFC. This one-fight deal is a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills and make a statement.”
Despite the temporary nature of his return, Stephens is confident in his abilities to defeat his opponent on May 3 and is thrilled to have the chance to compete in front of his hometown crowd.
Stephens emphasized his pride in representing Iowa throughout his career and expressed his excitement about finally getting to perform in Des Moines, where he feels a deep connection to the community.
Although slated to open the main card, Stephens believes he will steal the show and receive a hero’s welcome from the Iowa audience.
He anticipates a memorable and energetic atmosphere as he prepares to step back into the octagon, knowing that his supporters in Iowa will stand behind him every step of the way.
Stephens concluded, “I’m ready to show the world what I’m capable of and make Iowa proud. This is more than just a fight – it’s a homecoming and a chance to shine in front of my people.”
Stephens acknowledges that his time with the UFC has had its challenges, including tough losses and a regrettable altercation that led to a fight cancellation.
Despite this, Stephens is determined to make the most of what may be his final fight in the UFC.
Reflecting on his journey, Stephens emphasizes his resilience and determination to prove himself in the octagon.
He compares his journey to overcoming obstacles in a horror movie, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of success.