Despite a recent successful stint in BKFC, Jeremy Stephens` return to the UFC wasn`t entirely unexpected. His upcoming fight against Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines is set for May 2nd, marking a comeback to familiar territory for Stephens.
Fighting in Iowa, his home state, is a definite advantage, but Stephens was riding high after a significant BKFC victory over former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez. Many believed bare-knuckle fighting was his new path. However, Stephens` UFC re-signing on Thursday demonstrated his continuous openness to a UFC comeback, even after his January win against Alvarez.
Shortly after that Alvarez fight, Stephens mentioned to MMA Fighting his willingness to return to the UFC, particularly if it could pave the way to a fight with Conor McGregor.
“UFC opportunities are there, maybe fighting Conor, BKFC is an option, he’s part owner there,” Stephens stated in January. “I created this moment. I bet on myself and made it real. No one deserves it more right now than Jeremy Stephens, the killer.”
“I’ve said it before, drop a dart in the middle of the U.S., in the 505 area code, it lands in Des Moines, Iowa, the heart of this nation, and I’m all heart. Nobody has more heart than me.”
Stephens recognized his strong position after the Alvarez win, being a free agent without long-term contract restrictions.
While a UFC return doesn`t rule out future BKFC fights, Stephens acknowledged the draw back to mixed martial arts, where his roots lie, even with his enjoyment of bare-knuckle boxing.
“I’m a free agent. I could have a UFC fight,” Stephens said. “[Conor McGregor is] a part owner in BKFC. It’s turning dreams into reality. Eyes don`t lie. That’s a true statement. I stand by that.”
Immediately after his victory over Alvarez, arguably a career highlight, Stephens and McGregor faced off in the ring. McGregor, a BKFC part-owner since 2024, declared they would eventually meet in a gloveless fight, though he still has UFC fights remaining on his contract.
This context explains Stephens` openness to a UFC return, hoping for a chance to welcome McGregor back to the octagon after McGregor`s four-year absence following a leg injury in 2021.
“He’s having fun, ‘Cocaine Conor,’ just having fun,” Stephens commented on McGregor. “He’s promoting, not emotionally invested. Looking in his eyes, I saw submission already when we faced off. He’s there for promotion. He probably does want to fight, making millions. The eyes tell the truth. I’m in a different league than Logan Paul or Jake Paul in terms of fighting. I`m the more dangerous, violent fighter.”
“I can compete in MMA. Conor can outmaneuver boxers with kicks, takedowns, and submissions. But against someone like me, it’s different. I can use calf kicks, and I have knockout power. I know it for sure.”
Their history goes back to a UFC 205 press conference in 2016. Stephens asserted he was the hardest-hitting featherweight when McGregor was questioned 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.
Ever since, Stephens has had a McGregor fight on his radar. Now back in the UFC, it could become a real possibility.
“People ask, ‘You really think you can beat Conor?’ He’s just a human,” Stephens stated. “Yes, I know I can. In this era, ‘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 there if it works out. Dreams into reality, right? It’s an opportunity, and it`s closer than ever.”
Shortly after his UFC return was announced, Stephens reignited the rivalry with McGregor, tweeting a message reminding “The Notorious” that their business is unresolved.
“BKFC, UFC, Conor McGregor, you can’t hide from me,” Stephens tweeted. “I will find you and end you! Your time is coming. I got you a front row seat in Iowa. Wells Fargo event center, my hometown. Watch me break another jaw.”
Marcus Blakely