‘Can’t say I saw that coming’: Fans react to Jeremy Stephens’ shocking return to UFC
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC Jeremy Stephens getting re-signed by the UFC was not on a lot of 2025 bingo cards, but that’s exactly what happened. On Wednesday night, the promotion announced Stephens is back in the UFC, and he’ll face fellow returnee Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines on May 3. “Lil’ Heathen” looks to banks his first UFC win in over seven years, and will do so in front of a hometown crowd in his birth city. Stephens parted ways with the promotion after a six-fight winless run, including stoppage losses to Calvin Katter, José Aldo, and Mateusz Gamrot. The 38-year-old went on to sign with PFL where he missed the playoffs in 2022, losing two of three appearances. It was his post-MMA run where Stephens found the most late-career success, most notably competing for BKFC where he went 3-0, including stoppage wins over former UFC fighters Eddie Alvarez and Jimmie Rivera. Judging by your reactions, the news of Stephens’ re-signing shocked a wide majority of the fan base. Check out the best comments from you, the readers, below. And make sure to vote in our poll, which asks if it’s time for the UFC to take the belt off of Jon Jones. Igl00Man I can't say I saw that coming. I get wanting to have a "home town" guy for a card in his city, but I think Stephens should have stayed in BKFC. Beeunleashed Should be a banger. Nicolas Caged I enjoyed Jeremy Stephens as a savage who was always down for a good scrap. But the first thing that comes to mind any time I hear his name is.... https://media2.giphy.com/media/2uIfniYlTKcRzH5MB7/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b95294wuy6ibtatyfrjz9c0s2xqyxam1uw2dtuy2lbd2&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g MMAY They must have cut Jeremy a decent check to get him back in the UFC. Wonder if this is a 1 or multi fight deal. Nicolas Caged He's also the #3 ranked LW in BKFC. It seems like a really strange situation. I think we need to hear from the little heathen himself to clear up what's really going on. The way they announce fights these days, he may not even be aware yet that he's fighting that night. RealOne07 Have BKFC lost Stephens, or is this a one-off? Can’t see him in the UFC again, maybe UFC did a one fight contract for him as they like him and it’ll make the night more exciting. Would be bad for BKFC to lose him mburtoni Hell yeah. I’ve been ridiculed for this before, but IMO, Stephens has the sickest highlight reel in UFC history (not necessarily taking into account the quality of competition he’s KO’d.) RDA, Marcus Davis, Rony Jason, Dennis Bermudez, Doo Ho Choi, and Josh Emmet. All brutal, aesthetically pleasing, flat-linings. I’m glad they brought him back into the fold. Ankalaev's-Charisma Crazy booking. Stephen’s that is. Full Bellator
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