Jeremy Stephens` return to the UFC to face Mason Jones on May 2nd at UFC Des Moines was unexpected, despite his amicable departure from the promotion previously.
Fighting in Iowa, his home state, is logical, but Stephens was seemingly committed to bare-knuckle fighting after a significant victory over former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez in BKFC. However, on Thursday, Stephens` UFC comeback was announced. He had indicated his openness to a UFC return even after his win against Alvarez in January.
Shortly after that BKFC fight, Stephens mentioned to MMA Fighting his willingness to rejoin the UFC, particularly for a potential matchup with Conor McGregor.
“UFC opportunities are there, maybe fighting Conor, BKFC too, where he’s a part owner,” Stephens stated in January. “I`ve created this moment. I’ve risked everything on myself. I manifested this. I made the impossible real. No one deserves it more right now than Jeremy Stephens.”
“I said, if you randomly pick a spot in the U.S., in the 505, it`ll be Des Moines, Iowa, the heart of this nation, and I am all heart. Nobody has more heart than me.”
Stephens understood his strong position after defeating Alvarez, as he was not bound by a long-term contract, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities.
While returning to the UFC doesn`t preclude future BKFC fights, Stephens acknowledged this possibility because despite enjoying bare-knuckle boxing and even traditional boxing, his foundation remains in mixed martial arts.
“I’m a free agent. I could have a single UFC fight,” Stephens said. “[Conor McGregor] is a part owner in BKFC. It`s turning dreams into reality. When we made eye contact, eyes don`t lie. That’s a genuine quote. I’ve been saying it consistently. I will always believe that.”
Immediately after his victory over Alvarez, arguably the biggest of his career, Stephens faced off with McGregor in the ring. McGregor, a BKFC part-owner since 2024, suggested they would eventually fight bare-knuckle, though McGregor still has two UFC fights remaining on his contract.
This is why Stephens considered a UFC return, hoping to welcome McGregor back to the Octagon after McGregor`s four-year hiatus following a severe leg injury in 2021.
“He’s just having fun. ‘Cocaine Conor,’ he’s having fun,” Stephens commented on McGregor. “He’s promoting, not emotionally invested. You can see it in his eyes. He seemed almost submissive when we faced off. He`s there for promotion. He probably does want to fight. He’s making millions. His eyes reveal the truth. I’m not like Logan or Jake Paul in terms of numbers, but I’m the more dangerous fighter.”
“I can fight MMA too. 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. I can break your legs. I have knockout power, and I’m certain of it.”
The history between them goes back to the UFC 205 press conference in 2016. When McGregor was asked about his most dangerous opponent on stage, Stephens declared himself the hardest-hitting featherweight.
McGregor famously responded, “Who the f*ck is that guy?” to the amusement of the New York crowd.
Ever since, Stephens has wanted a fight with McGregor, and with his UFC return, it might finally be possible.
“People ask, ‘Do you really think you can beat Conor?’ He’s just a 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 could go to UFC, have one fight if that’s how it works out. Dreams into reality, right? It’s an opportunity. Now it’s within reach.”
Shortly after re-signing with the UFC, Stephens reignited his rivalry with McGregor, sending a message to “The Notorious” reminding him their issue isn`t resolved.
“BKFC, UFC, Conor McGregor you cannot hide from me,” Stephens tweeted. “I will find you and I will kill you boy! Your time is up. I got you a front row seat in Iowa too. Wells Fargo event center, my hometown. Watch me break another jaw.”
