Jeremy Stephens` departure from the UFC was amicable, but his sudden return to face Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines on May 2nd still came as a surprise.
Fighting in his native Iowa is logical for Stephens, especially after his recent victory over former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez in BKFC, which seemed to solidify his bare-knuckle future. However, Stephens` UFC comeback materialized on Thursday, a possibility he had considered even after fracturing Alvarez`s jaw in January.
Shortly after the Alvarez fight, Stephens expressed to MMA Fighting his openness to a UFC return, particularly if it could pave the way for a fight with Conor McGregor.
“UFC opportunities are there, maybe fighting Conor, BKFC too, where he`s a part owner,” Stephens stated in January. “I created this moment. I bet on myself and made it real. Nobody is hotter or more deserving than Jeremy Stephens right now, the killer.”
“I said it before, if you throw a dart at the US map, hitting 505, it lands in Des Moines, Iowa, the heart of this nation, and I am all heart. Nobody has more heart than me.”
Stephens recognized his strong position after defeating Alvarez, being a free agent without a long-term contract.
While rejoining the UFC doesn`t preclude future BKFC fights, Stephens acknowledged this path because his roots remain in mixed martial arts, despite enjoying bare-knuckle boxing.
“I`m a free agent. I could do a UFC fight,” Stephens mentioned. “[Conor McGregor] is a BKFC part owner. It`s turning dreams into reality. Eyes don`t lie. I`ve been saying that, and I stand by it.”
Following his win against Alvarez, Stephens and McGregor faced off in the ring, with McGregor suggesting a future gloveless encounter.
McGregor, a BKFC part-owner since 2024, has repeatedly expressed intentions to venture into bare-knuckle fighting, but with two UFC fights remaining on his contract, that must come first.
This is why Stephens considered a UFC return, hoping to welcome McGregor back to the octagon after a four-year absence following a severe leg injury in 2021.
“He’s having fun, ‘Cocaine Conor’ is having fun,” Stephens commented. “He`s promoting, not emotionally invested. I can see it in his eyes. He seemed agreeable when we faced off. He`s here for promotion. He probably does want to fight, making millions. His eyes don`t lie. I`m in a different league than Logan or Jake Paul. I don’t have their numbers, but I’m the more dangerous fighter.”
“I can do MMA. Conor can handle boxers, almost defeating them because he can kick, takedown, and submit them. But against someone like me, it`s different. I can use calf kicks, break legs. I have knockout power, I`m certain of it.”
The history between them goes back to a 2016 UFC 205 press conference. Stephens declared himself the hardest-hitting featherweight when McGregor was asked about his most dangerous opponent on stage.
McGregor famously responded, “Who the f*ck is that guy?” to the amusement of the New York crowd.
Since then, Stephens has aimed for a McGregor fight, and his UFC return might make it a real possibility.
“People ask, ‘Do you think you can beat Conor?’ He’s human,” Stephens said. “Yes, I know I can. In today`s world, ‘Cocaine Conor,’ I’d knock him out. Bare-knuckle would be even worse for him.”
“But I`m the guy who can go to UFC, have a fight if it works out. Dreams into reality, right? It`s an opportunity, and it`s closer now.”
Shortly after signing with the UFC, Stephens reignited the rivalry with McGregor, reminding “The Notorious” that their issue is not resolved.
“BKFC, UFC, Conor McGregor, you can`t run from me,” Stephens tweeted. “I will find and destroy you! Your time is up, I got you a front row seat in Iowa. Wells Fargo event center, my hometown. Watch me break another jaw.”
