Jeremy Stephens, after a successful stint in BKFC and a win over Eddie Alvarez, has rejoined the UFC with hopes of eventually facing Conor McGregor, reigniting their long-standing rivalry.
Jeremy Stephens parted ways with the UFC on amicable terms, yet fans were left in shock and awe when news broke of his return for a bout against Mason Jones at the upcoming UFC Des Moines card on May 2. Fighting in Iowa, his home state, seemed fitting, but Stephens had just claimed a massive victory over ex-UFC champion Eddie Alvarez in BKFC. It looked like his future was set in bare-knuckle fighting.
But everything changed on Thursday. Stephens reappeared on the UFC roster—a possibility he never entirely dismissed, even after shattering Alvarez’s jaw back in January. Just days after that fight, he shared with MMA Fighting his openness to returning to the UFC, especially if it meant a potential clash with Conor McGregor.
“I’ve got opportunities,” Stephens said in January. “Maybe go in the UFC, fighting Conor over there. BKFC, he’s an owner.” He continued, “I put myself in this f*cking moment. I risked it all on me. I manifested this.” His confidence was palpable.
Stephens’ win over Alvarez positioned him perfectly to seize new opportunities since he wasn’t tied down by any long-term contracts. While a UFC return doesn’t preclude him from future BKFC fights, he acknowledged his roots are in mixed martial arts.
“I’m a free agent,” Stephens declared. “[Conor McGregor is] over in BKFC as a part-owner.” His words hinted at possibilities—delusions turned into reality. When Stephens locked eyes with McGregor after beating Alvarez, it was clear: the eyes never lie.
McGregor, now part-owner of BKFC since 2024, has repeatedly expressed intentions to cross into bare-knuckle fighting. However, with two bouts left on his UFC contract, those plans are on hold—for now.
Stephens didn’t rule out a UFC comeback, hoping for a chance to welcome McGregor back to the cage following his four-year hiatus post-injury in 2021. “He’s having fun,” Stephens remarked about “Cocaine Conor.” “He’s promoting… making f*cking millions.”
The history between them traces back to UFC 205’s press conference in 2016 when Stephens boldly claimed to be the hardest-hitting featherweight. McGregor’s retort? “Who the f*ck is that guy?” The crowd erupted.
Since then, Stephens has been eyeing a showdown with McGregor. Now back in the UFC, that dream might come true. “People ask if I can beat Conor,” Stephens mused. “He’s a f*cking human being… I know I can.”
Not long after signing with the UFC again, Stephens reignited their rivalry by sending a message to McGregor via Twitter: “BKFC, UFC, Conor McGregor you cannot run from me.” He promised a front-row seat in Iowa and another broken jaw.
In essence, Jeremy Stephens is ready for whatever comes next—be it in the octagon or the bare-knuckle ring. His journey continues unpredictably yet thrillingly as ever.