Jeremy Stephens Booked For UFC Return

Published by Paul Browne on March 13, 2025

34-Fight UFC Veteran To Return At UFC Des Moines

After a lengthy six-year break from the top table of MMA, Jeremy Stephens (29-21-0-1 MMA, 15-18-0-1 UFC) is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon when the UFC visits his home city of Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3rd.

Stephens, also known as “Lil’ Heathen,” last competed in the UFC in 2021, where he was defeated by submission at the hands of Mateusz Gamrot. Following a streak of six consecutive losses, the organization chose not to extend his contract.

During his time away from the UFC, Stephens has stayed active in other combat sports. In 2022, he fought three times in the PFL smartcage, before stepping into the world of professional boxing in 2023 for a debut bout against José Aldo. Later that same year, he also faced Chris Avila, another UFC veteran, in a boxing match.

Natural Born Fighter

Expanding into bare-knuckle fighting, Stephens picked up three victories under the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) banner. His most recent win came at BKFC Knucklemania 5 this January, where he triumphed over former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez.

Stephens made his UFC debut back in 2007 and went on to rack up 34 fights in the organization. Throughout his career, he has earned notable victories over top fighters, including Rafael dos Anjos, Renan Barão, and Gilbert Melendez.

“The Dragon” Is Back At UFC Des Moines

In the upcoming May 3rd event, Stephens will face Mason Jones (15-2-0-1 MMA, 1-2-0-1 UFC), another fighter returning to the UFC.

The Welsh fighter first entered the UFC in 2021, following a successful run in Cage Warriors, where he claimed world titles in two different weight classes. After securing just one win in his first four UFC appearances, Jones was let go but quickly returned to Cage Warriors. There, he went on an impressive winning streak, defeating four opponents between 2023 and 2024, ultimately earning a UFC return.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo will take place at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3rd, with the headline event featuring a bantamweight clash between Cory Sandhagen (17-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (24-4-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC).