Jeremy Stephens’ UFC Return: What’s Next?

Jeremy Stephens has re-signed with the UFC and will face Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines on May 3.

Stephens left the UFC in 2021 following six consecutive losses. His last win was in 2018 when he defeated Josh Emmett. Stephens then signed with the PFL to kickstart his career. However, he failed to make an impact, missing out on making the playoffs in 2022. He suffered two defeats in three fights and later signed with BKFC. He rejuvenated his career, racking up a 3-0 record. This included stoppage wins against former UFC stars Eddie Alvarez and Jimmie Rivera.

Now, he is ready to reestablish himself in the UFC. This naturally raises question marks over his long-term future. He has been linked with a fight against Conor McGregor. After stopping Alvarez in his last BKFC fight, he had a face-off with McGregor, who stated that he was ready to make that fight. McGregor is a part-owner of BKFC, making that possible. 

Stephens Vs. McGregor

“Old Cocaine Conor. He’s got a long path, bro. It’s all good promotion. I love it. I love to come in there right in front of his face and have him doubt me. He said I wasn’t a champion, but it ain’t hardware that makes you a champion. It’s heart. It’s grit. [And] it’s resilience. It’s persistence. It’s willing to take a pay cut to make a delusion a reality. I bring my pain to purpose.

“You guys don’t know what the heck I had to deal with to get here. You’ll never know. But if feels good, dude. It feels f*cking good to be in this moment. Buttcheeks McGregor, that’s the one. That’s the money fight, bro. But I’ve been telling you guys, bro. … Put some respect on my name. Then he got knocked out by Poirier. I’ve got power. I’ve got calf kicks,” Stephens said

However, Stephen’s departure from BKFC could open up that fight in the UFC. McGregor has not had a UFC fight since 2021, when Dustin Poirier stopped him at UFC 264. McGregor suffered a broken leg in that fight, and he experienced a third loss out of his last four fights. He also pulled out of his UFC 303 against Michael Chandler with a broken toe.

However, The Notorious still has two UFC fights under his contract, meaning that McGregor could still make his comeback. Given that Stephens’ UFC record is not the best, McGregor may fancy his chances. But before that can even be considered, Stephens must get past Jones first, who will be looking to have his say. 

Possible Card

Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones

Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal

Mason Jones vs. Jeremy Stephens

Mario Bautista vs. Marlon Vera

Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate

Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Jeong Yeong Lee vs. Trevor Peek

Serhiy Sidey vs. Cameron Smotherman

Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos

Azamat Bekoev vs. Ryan Loder

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