The news that Jeremy Stephens is returning to the UFC after a four-year absence is both a curious and exhilarating development for fans of mixed martial arts. A lot has changed since Stephens, the lightweight powerhouse known as “Lil Heathen,” last graced the octagon. In that time, the sport has evolved in remarkable ways. The game has grown faster, more technical, and, in many ways, far more unforgiving. But Stephens has never been one to shy away from a challenge. For him, stepping back into the UFC is more than just a fight—it’s a declaration of resilience.
What does this return mean for Stephens, now 38 years old, and what can we expect from him on May 3 in Des Moines, Iowa, when he faces off against the tough-as-nails Mason Jones? To put it simply, this is a man who has spent a career defying the odds—and even at this stage of his life, you wouldn’t bet against him doing it again.
That being said, you can find decent odds on both Stephens and Jones for this fight, depending on your preference. The bookies seem split between the rival narratives of the rising star and the returning veteran who has a point to prove. You can compare betting sites for the best offers on that upcoming UFC event as well as promotions for new customers.
A Career Defined by Perseverance
Stephens’ UFC journey has always been one of contrasts—moments of brilliance, mixed with periods of disappointment. He debuted in 2007, marking the start of what would be a career that has lasted over 16 years in the promotion. His early years were a whirlwind, defined by power punches, raw aggression, and a refusal to back down from anyone. But when we think of his career in retrospect, we see a pattern: almost making it but falling just short. This pattern continued throughout his time in the UFC, as he went on long streaks of wins and losses but never seemed to put together the series of victories that would propel him to the top of the featherweight rankings.
When Stephens was cut from the UFC in 2021, it wasn’t entirely a surprise. After all, he’d failed to win in six consecutive bouts, a streak that would be hard to overlook for any promotion. However, it wasn’t all lost time. Instead of fading into obscurity, Stephens turned to the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL) before the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where his performances were a stark reminder of what he was capable of when free from the confines of the octagon. Winning all three of his BKFC bouts, including a notable victory over Eddie Alvarez in January 2025, Stephens proved that his heart and fighting spirit hadn’t diminished.
But that’s the thing about Stephens: no matter how much time passes or how many setbacks he faces, he never seems to be out of the game for long. His return to the UFC is the latest chapter, and it’s not one he’s entering lightly.
A Grudge That Won’t Die
If there’s one fight that fans are circling, even before his match with Mason Jones, it’s the possibility of a long-awaited showdown with Conor McGregor. The history between Stephens and McGregor dates back nearly a decade to the UFC 205 press conference in 2016. It was during that event that Stephens, in an attempt to grab a bit of the spotlight, declared himself the hardest-hitting featherweight in the world. McGregor, in typical fashion, did not let the moment go unnoticed. “Who the f*** is that guy?” he quipped, sending the phrase into viral meme status.
That moment, though seemingly innocuous at the time, has been haunting Stephens ever since. It became the symbol of his frustration with McGregor’s mocking, his own struggles to get noticed in a promotion that seemed to give more attention to stars than to the fighters who paid their dues. There was no immediate payback, of course, but the rivalry simmered for years in the background, unspoken but very much alive.
Recently, as Stephens has been finding success in BKFC, he made it clear that he’s had enough of McGregor’s dismissive attitude. With McGregor locked into his UFC contract, Stephens has made it known that he believes it’s only a matter of time before their paths cross again. He even taunted McGregor directly, saying, “Conor McGregor you cannot run from me. 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 in my hometown. Watch me Break another jaw.”
What Stephens Needs to Do in the Cage
Let’s talk about the fight itself. Stephens’ opponent, Mason Jones, is a highly skilled fighter with a respectable pedigree in Cage Warriors. He’s younger, more technically refined, and is considered the favorite heading into the contest. Jones is tough, and relentless, and has proven his worth in the octagon. So, what does Stephens bring to the table?
At 38, the question isn’t about how fast or sharp he is; it’s about his mindset. Stephens is known for his ability to absorb punishment and keep pushing forward. His biggest advantage might be his mental toughness—his unrelenting drive to prove that he still belongs. His ability to stay in the fight, no matter how tough it gets, could work to his advantage against Jones, who has shown vulnerability in past bouts.
Stephens’ knockout power is still a weapon, albeit a weapon that’s been dormant for too long in the UFC. If he can land one of his trademark strikes, it could make all the difference in a fight where his experience and grit will be tested. His move to the lightweight division for this fight is also an interesting one—whether it proves to be a strategic decision or simply a result of his age and the wear on his body remains to be seen.
The Big Picture
Now, as we look ahead, it’s clear that the stakes are high for Stephens, not just in terms of the fight but for what his victory might set in motion. If Stephens wins against Mason Jones, he could become a legitimate contender again. The UFC is known for welcoming back exciting veterans who still have something left in the tank, and a win could open doors for future matchups with big names—perhaps even McGregor, should their rivalry intensify. After all, McGregor, for all his bravado, has made no secret of the fact that he wants to return to fighting soon.
At the same time, Stephens is realistic. He has a “one-and-done” mentality for this UFC stint, not counting on any extended opportunities in the promotion. His future, he’s said, likely lies in bare-knuckle boxing, where he has already found success and is eager to continue competing. For now, however, his eyes are firmly fixed on Mason Jones. The future, as it often is with Stephens, is just out of view.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
