Jeremy Stephens has re-signed with the UFC and will fight Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines on May 3, marking his return after a seven-year winless streak in the promotion.
Who would’ve thought? Jeremy Stephens is back in the UFC! Not exactly on everyone’s 2025 bingo card, right?
Wednesday night brought the surprise announcement: Stephens is returning to face Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines on May 3. “Lil’ Heathen” aims for his first UFC win in over seven years, and guess what? He’ll be fighting in front of a hometown crowd!
Stephens left the UFC after a tough six-fight skid, including losses to Calvin Katter, José Aldo, and Mateusz Gamrot. At 38, he tried his luck with PFL but didn’t make the playoffs in 2022. But hey, he found some late-career success in BKFC, going 3-0 with wins over ex-UFC fighters Eddie Alvarez and Jimmie Rivera.
Your reactions say it all—most of you are shocked by Stephens’ re-signing. Quite the plot twist!
Check out your best comments below. And don’t forget to vote in our poll about whether it’s time for the UFC to strip Jon Jones of his belt.