| Jeremy Stephens | |
| |
|---|---|
| Nickname | "Lil' Heathen" |
| Listed height | 5 ft 9 in |
| Listed weight | 145 lb |
| Reach | 71 in |
| Division | Featherweight (2013-present), Lightweight (2005-2012) |
| Born | May 26, 1986 Des Moines, Iowa, United States |
| Nationality |  American
|
| Fighting out of | San Diego, California, United States |
| Team | Alliance MMA |
| Organization | UFC |
| Years active | 2005-present |
Jeremy Dean Stephens (born May 26, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Des Moines, Iowa. Stephens is currently signed under the Ultimate Fighting Championships promotion, fighting in its Featherweight division.
Background[]
Stephens was born in Des Moines, Iowa and came from a broken home. When he was eight years old, Stephens parents divorced and he constantly switched between schools while also living in various apartments, shelters, and even in his mother's car before moving to Norwalk, Iowa with his father, who was granted custody of Stephens when he was in the fifth grade. Growing up, Stephens played baseball, basketball, and also competed in wrestling. Stephens attended Norwalk High School where he was a standout in baseball and wrestling, having returned to wrestling during his senior year. Stephens was introduced to mixed martial arts by his grandfather who had also originally persuaded Stephens to compete in wrestling. While beginning his career in mixed martial arts, Stephens looked up to and later became friends with fellow Des Moines native Josh Neer.[1]
Mixed martial arts career[]
At age 16, Jeremy Stephens began mixed martial arts as an amateur. He started full-time training at the age of 18. Stephens has held the UGC 155-pound belt and the MCC 155-pound belt.[2]
Ultimate Fighting Championships[]
Jeremy Stephens was defeated in his UFC debut against UFC veteran Din Thomas at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007. His first win in the UFC was against Diego Saraiva at UFC 76 by unanimous decision. Jeremy then scored his second win inside the octagon after beating TUF 5 alumni Cole Miller at UFC Fight Night 12. At the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 7, Jeremy took on former trainer and friend Spencer Fisher. Stephens lost by unanimous decision.
Joe Lauzon was scheduled to fight Hermes Franca on February 7 in the main event for UFC Fight Night 17. However, Franca pulled out of the event with a torn anterior crucial ligament in his right knee. Jeremy Stephens stepped in as a late replacement for Franca.[3][4][5] Lauzon defeated Stephens with an armbar in the second round.
At UFC Fight Night: Condit vs Kampmann he lost a unanimous decision to Gleison Tibau. Stephens returned to the octagon September 16, 2009 at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard. Originally set to fight Brazilian UFC newcomer Ronnys Torres, an injury Torres sustained during training meant he was replaced by Justin Buchholz. Stephens defeated Buchholz after landing several big strikes and opening up a deep gash on Buchholz's forehead, forcing the doctor to stop the fight midway through the first round.
Stephens was expected to face Nik Lentz on January 11, 2010 at UFC Fight Night 20.[6] However, Stephens suffered a cut and was forced to pull out of the fight.
Stephens defeated Sam Stout via split decision on May 8, 2010 at UFC 113.
Stephens lost to Melvin Guillard on September 25, 2010 at UFC 119[7] via split decision.
Stephens faced Marcus Davis on January 1, 2011 at UFC 125. After likely losing the first two rounds, Stephens then came out more aggressive in the third round and caught Davis with a counter punch resulting in a KO win.
Stephens was expected to face Jonathan Brookins on June 4, 2011 at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale.[8] However, Brookins was forced from the bout with an injury and replaced by Danny Downes.[9] Stephens defeated Downes via unanimous decision after dominating all three rounds.
Stephens faced Anthony Pettis on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136.[10] Pettis defeated Stephens via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Stephens replaced an injured Yves Edwards against Donald Cerrone on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier[11] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Stephens was expected to face Yves Edwards on October 5, 2012 at UFC on FX 5.[12] However, the bout was cancelled due to Stephens being arrested on the day of the event for an assault charge that dates back to 2011.[13] The fight eventually took place on December 8, 2012 at UFC on Fox 5. Edwards won by knockout in the first round, being the first fighter to ever stop Stephens via strikes.
Stephens made his featherweight debut against promotional newcomer Estevan Payan on May 25, 2013 at UFC 160.[14] He won the bloody fight via unanimous decision.
Stephens was expected to face Rony Jason on October 9, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 29.[15] However, Jason pulled out of the bout citing an injury (lumbar hernia).[16] The bout eventually took place on November 9, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 32.[17] Stephens won via knockout early in the first round.
Stephens faced Darren Elkins on January 25, 2014 at UFC on Fox 10.[18] He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Stephens is expected to face Cub Swanson on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 44.[19]
Personal life[]
Ethnically Mexican and White American,[20] Stephens has two daughters. He is a good friend of former UFC Fighter Anton Kuivanen.[21]
Championships and Accomplishments[]
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time)
- Knockout of the Night (Three times)
Mixed martial arts record[]
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 5 | 0 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 15 | 1 |
| By submission | 3 | 3 |
| By decision | 5 | 5 |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 23–9 | Darren Elkins | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson | January 25, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 22–9 | Rony Jason | KO (head kick) | UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson | November 9, 2013 | 1 | 0:40 | Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil | |
| Win | 21–9 | Estevan Payan | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 160 | May 25, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Featherweight debut |
| Loss | 20–9 | Yves Edwards | KO (punches and elbows) | UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz | December 8, 2012 | 1 | 1:55 | Seattle, Washington, United States | |
| Loss | 20–8 | Donald Cerrone | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier | May 15, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Fairfax, Virginia, United States | |
| Loss | 20–7 | Anthony Pettis | Decision (split) | UFC 136 | October 8, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 20–6 | Danny Downes | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale | June 4, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 19–6 | Marcus Davis | KO (punch) | UFC 125 | January 1, 2011 | 3 | 2:33 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Knockout of the Night |
| Loss | 18–6 | Melvin Guillard | Decision (split) | UFC 119 | September 25, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 18–5 | Sam Stout | Decision (split) | UFC 113 | May 8, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Fight of the Night |
| Win | 17–5 | Justin Buchholz | TKO (cut) | UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard | September 16, 2009 | 1 | 3:32 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States | Knockout of the Night |
| Loss | 16–5 | Gleison Tibau | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann | April 1, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Nashville, Tennessee, United States | |
| Loss | 16–4 | Joe Lauzon | Submission (armbar) | UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens | February 7, 2009 | 2 | 4:43 | Tampa, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 16–3 | Rafael dos Anjos | KO (punches) | UFC 91 | November 15, 2008 | 3 | 0:39 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Knockout of the Night |
| Loss | 15–3 | Spencer Fisher | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs Team Forrest Finale | June 21, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 15–2 | Cole Miller | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Swick vs Burkman | January 23, 2008 | 2 | 4:44 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 14–2 | Diego Saraiva | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 76 | September 22, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | |
| Win | 13–2 | Nick Walker | TKO (punches) | MCC 9: Heatwave | July 27, 2007 | 1 | 4:45 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 12–2 | Din Thomas | Submission (armbar) | UFC 71 | May 26, 2007 | 2 | 2:44 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 12–1 | Vern Jefferson | TKO (punches) | Greensparks: Full Contact Fighting 3 | March 17, 2007 | 1 | 3:58 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 11–1 | Norm Alexander | Submission (triangle choke) | TFC: Battle at the Barn | February 21, 2007 | 1 | 3:26 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 10–1 | Chris Mickle | TKO (punches) | MCC 5: Thanksgiving Throwdown | November 22, 2006 | 4 | 0:27 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 9–1 | Aaron Williams | TKO (punches) | Universal Gladiator Championships 4 | September 22, 2006 | 1 | N/A | Kenner, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 8–1 | Doug Alcorn | Submission (armbar) | Greensparks: Full Contact Fighting 1 | August 19, 2006 | 1 | 1:56 | Clive, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 7–1 | Chris Mickle | TKO (punches) | MCC 4: The Rematch | July 15, 2006 | 2 | 3:36 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 6–1 | Kendrick Johnson | TKO (punches) | Midwest Cage Championships 1 | February 11, 2006 | 1 | 1:46 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Will Shutt | TKO (punches) | XKK: Trials | August 27, 2005 | 1 | 1:19 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Sharome Blanchard | TKO (punches) | XKK: Des Moines | March 19, 2005 | 1 | 2:36 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 3–1 | Chris Mickle | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Downtown Destruction 3 | May 2, 2005 | 2 | 1:51 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Chris Caleb | TKO (punches) | Downtown Destruction 2 | February 2, 2005 | 1 | 1:44 | Owatonna, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Gary Percival | Submission (punches) | Jungle Madness 2 | January 15, 2005 | 1 | N/A | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Ted Worthington | TKO (punches) | Downtown Destruction 1 | January 12, 2005 | 1 | 0:33 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States |
References[]
- ↑ http://www.lilheathenmma.com/about/
- ↑ Jeremy Stephen's UFC.com Bio. Retrieved on 02-08-2009.
- ↑ Buhl, John (2009-01-27). Hermes Franca Injured, Out of UFC Fight Night Bout with Joe Lauzon. Retrieved on 02-08-2009.
- ↑ Gerbasi, Thomas (2009-01-27). Franca Out, Stephens Steps in to Face Lauzon on Feb.7. Retrieved on 02-08-2009.
- ↑ Injury forces Hermes Franca off UFC Fight Night 17 card (2009-01-27). Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved on 02-08-2009.
- ↑ Jeremy Stephens, not Efrain Escudero, likely faces Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 20
- ↑ Template:Cite news
- ↑ Template:Cite news
- ↑ Downes replaces injured Brookins at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale. mmajunkie.com (May 10, 2011).
- ↑ UFC 136: Anthony Pettis vs Jeremy Stephens announced for Oct. 8 in Houston, Texas. mmamania.com (July 16, 2011).
- ↑ Edwards out, Stephens in against Cerrone at UFC on FUEL TV 3. MMAjunkie.com (February 27, 2012). Retrieved on February 27, 2012.
- ↑ Yves Edwards to meet Jeremy Stephens at UFC on FX 5 in Minneapolis. mmajunkie.com (August 1, 2012). Retrieved on August 1, 2012.
- ↑ Halvatzis Jr., George (2012-10-05). Dana White tries to explain bizarre Jeremy Stephens arrest in Minnesota. mmamania.com. Retrieved on 2012-10-05.
- ↑ Jeremy Stephens vs. Estevan Payan slated for UFC 160 on May 25. MMAjunkie.com (February 27, 2013).
- ↑ Staff (2013-08-08). Jeremy Stephens vs. Rony Jason Agreed to for Unannounced UFC Fight Night in Brazil. mmaweekly.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-08.
- ↑ Staff (2013-09-15). Rony Jason pulled from UFC Fight Night 29 card against Jeremy Stephens. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved on 2013-09-15.
- ↑ Staff (2013-09-25). Rony Jason vs. Jeremy Stephens rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 32 in November. MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved on 2013-09-25.
- ↑ Matt Erickson (2013-11-16). Darren Elkins vs. Jeremy Stephens set for UFC on FOX 10 in Chicago. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved on 2013-11-16.
- ↑ Damon Martin (2014-03-18). Cub Swanson vs. Jeremy Stephens headlines UFC Fight Night in San Antonio. msn.foxsports.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-18.
- ↑ Jeremy Stephens (lilheathenmma) on Twitter
- ↑ The new "Mr. International," Jeremy Stephens, plans on stealing the show at UFC 113. MMAJUNKIE.com (2010-05-04). Retrieved on 2010-05-04.
