Jeremy Stephens is set to make a surprising return to the UFC, nearly four years after his departure from the promotion.
The 38-year-old veteran, known as “Lil Heathen,” exited the UFC in 2021 following a submission loss to Mateusz Gamrot, capping off a six-fight winless streak that stretched back to 2018. A brief stint in the PFL didn’t fare much better, as he went 1-2 and failed to reach the playoffs in his lone season.
However, Stephens has since revived his combat sports career in a different arena—bare-knuckle boxing. He has strung together three consecutive victories, including a stoppage win over Eddie Alvarez at BKFC Knucklemania V this past January. This success appeared to set the stage for a return to MMA, as Team Miami drafted him for the inaugural season of the Global Fight League (GFL).
But in a surprising twist, it has now been announced that Stephens will rejoin the UFC for a homecoming bout in Des Moines on May 3. He will face another returning fighter, Wales’ Mason Jones (15-2, 1 NC), in a lightweight matchup.
Stephens’ sudden return delivers another hit to the credibility of the GFL. The new promotion has already faced scrutiny for allegedly announcing fighters without their consent. This controversy continued after former UFC champion Rashad Evans denied signing with the league, and now, Stephens has followed suit by going for the UFC instead.
Meanwhile, Jones makes his own UFC comeback after an impressive 4-0 run in Cage Warriors. “The Dragon” will aim to make a statement in his second stint on the sport’s biggest stage.
Stephens’ unexpected return adds another chapter to his long career, and fans will be eager to see if he can make an impact in his UFC comeback.
