Jeremy Stephens, after defeating Eddie Alvarez at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 and becoming a free agent, is now seeking lucrative opportunities and leveraging his impressive performance to negotiate better compensation for his next contract.
Jeremy Stephens took a gamble on himself before his fight with Eddie Alvarez at BKFC KnuckleMania 5. Now, he’s ready to reap the rewards.
The UFC veteran, with 34 fights under his belt, delivered a standout performance by breaking Alvarez’s jaw in Philadelphia’s main event. Interestingly, this was the last fight on Stephens’ contract with BKFC, giving him a golden ticket to explore free agency and secure a hefty payday.
“I took a f*cking huge risk,” Stephens admitted to MMA Fighting. He turned down a lucrative GFL contract despite the temptation. Why? Because he believed in himself.
“BKFC sat me out for a year after Jimmie Rivera. Now I’m a free agent,” he explained. Choosing not to sign those contracts was strategic; he knew the night he fought would bring the big payday. “It’s time to get paid,” he emphasized. “Time to take care of my family.”
KnuckleMania 5 set a new attendance record for combat sports, surpassing even the UFC, thanks to Stephens’ face-off against Philly’s own Alvarez.
Throughout the week leading up to the event, Stephens faced hostility from the Philly crowd and trash talk from fighters like Joe Pyfer. But he silenced them all with two knockdowns in round three, leading Alvarez’s corner to stop the fight.
The next day, Alvarez confessed his jaw broke early in the match, ultimately leading to his defeat in round three.
Stephens’ performance was nothing short of highlight-reel material. It solidified his position as a spoiler by defeating former UFC champ Alvarez at one of BKFC’s biggest events.
“Now you’ve got to pay me,” Stephens declared. “I ain’t doing shit for f*cking [middle-of-the-road pay] anymore.” He told BKFC president David Feldman that he hoped his true worth was now apparent.
“You’re talking about a real motherf*cker here,” Stephens said passionately. He believes it’s his time and is grateful for never giving up.
Despite having numerous options, Stephens enjoys competing in BKFC after three fights with them.
Stephens mentioned receiving an unexpected apology from Feldman, who admitted backing Alvarez during their fight.
“My own promoters were against me,” Stephens revealed. Feldman confessed they had put their money on Alvarez. “You paid the wrong man,” Stephens asserted. “Now it’s my time.”
Stephens hinted at possibilities like returning to the UFC or continuing with BKFC, where McGregor holds ownership stakes. “I risked it all on me,” he said proudly.
While Alvarez was initially the star attraction at KnuckleMania 5, it was Stephens who stole the spotlight post-event.
This fuels his ambition for better compensation in his next deal while maintaining good ties with BKFC for future negotiations.
“I’ve had great conversations with David Feldman,” Stephens shared. His only request? More communication from Feldman.
“Me and Feldman are cool,” he concluded. Despite no current contract, Stephens loves working with BKFC and feels it’s truly his sport.