Jeremy Stephens

Jeremy Stephens
Born (1986-05-26) May 26, 1986
Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
Other names Lil Heathen
Residence San Diego County, California, U.S.
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1.74 m)
Weight 145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
Division Lightweight
Featherweight
Reach 71 in (180 cm)
Fighting out of San Diego, California, U.S.
Team Alliance MMA
Rank Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[1]
Years active 2005-present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 43
Wins 28
By knockout 19
By submission 2
By decision 7
Losses 15
By knockout 2
By submission 3
By decision 10
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Jeremy Dean Stephens (born May 26, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Featherweight division.[2] As of August 8, 2018, he is #6 in the official UFC featherweight rankings.[3]

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.[4]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

At age 16, Stephens began mixed martial arts as an amateur and began full-time training at the age of 18. Stephens was the UGC and MCC Lightweight Champion.[5]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Stephens was defeated via second round armbar submission in his UFC debut against veteran Din Thomas at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007.

His first win in the UFC was against Diego Saraiva at UFC 76 via unanimous decision.

Jeremy then scored his second win inside the Octagon after beating Cole Miller via second-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 12.

At the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 7, Jeremy took on former trainer and friend Spencer Fisher. Stephens lost via unanimous decision.

After the loss he rebounded with an emphatic come from behind knockout victory over BJJ black belt and future UFC Lightweight Champion, Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 91. He was out-grappled the first two rounds but in the third came out swinging and landed a huge uppercut on dos Anjos that knocked him unconscious.

Stephens next stepped in as a late replacement for Hermes Franca against Joe Lauzon on February 7, 2009 at UFC Fight Night 17. Lauzon defeated Stephens with an armbar late in the second round.

Then on April 1, 2009 at UFC Fight Night: Condit vs Kampmann, Stephens was out-wrestled by Gleison Tibau and lost his second straight fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens was expected to return to the octagon on September 16, 2009, at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard against UFC newcomer Ronnys Torres. However, Torres sustained an injury during training and 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.[18]

Stephens faced Darren Elkins on January 25, 2014, at UFC on Fox 10.[19] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens faced Cub Swanson on June 28, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 44.[20] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens next faced Charles Oliveira on December 12, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale.[21] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Stephens faced Dennis Bermudez on July 11, 2015, at UFC 189.[22] He won the fight by TKO due to a flying knee and punches after a close first two rounds.[23]

Stephens faced Max Holloway on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194.[24] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[25]

Stephens faced Renan Barão on May 29, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 88.[26] He won the back and forth bout by unanimous decision.[27] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors for their performance.[28]

Stephens next faced Frankie Edgar on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205.[29] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[30]

Stephens faced Renato Moicano on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[31] He lost the fight by split decision.[32]

Stephens faced Gilbert Melendez on September 9, 2017, at UFC 215.[33] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[34] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors for their performance.[35]

Stephens faced Doo Ho Choi on January 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi.[36] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.[37] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night.[38]

Stephens faced Josh Emmett on February 24, 2018 at UFC on Fox 28.[39] He won the fight via knockout in round two.[40] This win earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.[41]

Stephens next faced former 2 time UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo, on July 28, 2018 at UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2.[42] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.[43]

Personal life

Stephens is of Mexican descent maternally.[44] He has two daughters and is a good friend of former UFC Fighter Anton Kuivanen.[45]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 28–15 José Aldo TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2 July 28, 2018 1 4:19 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Win 28–14 Josh Emmett KO (punches and elbows) UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens February 24, 2018 2 1:35 Orlando, Florida, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 27–14 Doo Ho Choi TKO (punches and elbows) UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi January 14, 2018 2 2:36 St. Louis, Missouri, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 26–14 Gilbert Melendez Decision (unanimous) UFC 215 September 9, 2017 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Fight of the Night.
Loss 25–14 Renato Moicano Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis April 15, 2017 3 5:00 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Loss 25–13 Frankie Edgar Decision (unanimous) UFC 205 November 12, 2016 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States
Win 25–12 Renan Barão Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt May 29, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 24–12 Max Holloway Decision (unanimous) UFC 194 December 12, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 24–11 Dennis Bermudez TKO (flying knee and punches) UFC 189 July 11, 2015 3 0:32 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (149.5 lbs) bout; Stephens missed weight.
Loss 23–11 Charles Oliveira Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned Finale December 12, 2014 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (146.5 lbs) bout; Oliveira missed weight.
Loss 23–10 Cub Swanson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens June 28, 2014 5 5:00 San Antonio, Texas, United States Fight of the Night.
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, 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: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos 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 (doctor stoppage) 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 and elbows) 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 KO (punch) 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 KO (punch) 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 KO (punch) 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 KO (punches) Downtown Destruction 1 January 12, 2005 1 0:33 Des Moines, Iowa, United States

See also

References

  1. ↑ Thomas Gerbasi (June 27, 2014). "Jeremy Stephens: A Five-Year Education". UFC.com.
  2. ↑ "Mixed Martial Arts Show Results" (PDF). nv.gov.
  3. ↑ "Fighter Rankings | UFC ®". UFC. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  4. ↑ http://www.lilheathenmma.com/about/
  5. ↑ "Jeremy Stephen's UFC.com Bio". Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
  6. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-10-24. Retrieved 2009-10-21. Jeremy Stephens, not Efrain Escudero, likely faces Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 20]
  7. ↑ "Melvin Guillard vs. Jeremy Stephens targeted for UFC 119 main card in Indy". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
  8. ↑ "Jeremy Stephens vs. Jonathan Brookins likely for The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2011-02-18. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
  9. ↑ "Downes replaces injured Brookins at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale". mmajunkie.com. May 10, 2011. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011.
  10. ↑ "UFC 136: Anthony Pettis vs Jeremy Stephens announced for Oct. 8 in Houston, Texas". mmamania.com. July 16, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Edwards out, Stephens in against Cerrone at UFC on FUEL TV 3". MMAjunkie.com. February 27, 2012. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Yves Edwards to meet Jeremy Stephens at UFC on FX 5 in Minneapolis". mmajunkie.com. August 1, 2012. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  13. ↑ Halvatzis Jr., George (2012-10-05). "Dana White tries to explain bizarre Jeremy Stephens arrest in Minnesota". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2012-10-05.
  14. ↑ "Jeremy Stephens vs. Estevan Payan slated for UFC 160 on May 25". MMAjunkie.com. February 27, 2013.
  15. ↑ Staff (2013-08-08). "Jeremy Stephens vs. Rony Jason Agreed to for Unannounced UFC Fight Night in Brazil". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
  16. ↑ Staff (2013-09-15). "Rony Jason pulled from UFC Fight Night 29 card against Jeremy Stephens". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-15.
  17. ↑ Staff (2013-09-25). "Rony Jason vs. Jeremy Stephens rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 32 in November". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-25.
  18. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2013-11-09). "UFC Fight Night 32 results and gif: Jeremy Stephens demolishes Rony Jason". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-11-09.
  19. ↑ Matt Erickson (2013-11-16). "Darren Elkins vs. Jeremy Stephens set for UFC on FOX 10 in Chicago". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-18. Retrieved 2013-11-16.
  20. ↑ Damon Martin (2014-03-18). "Cub Swanson vs. Jeremy Stephens headlines UFC Fight Night in San Antonio". msn.foxsports.com. Retrieved 2014-03-18.
  21. ↑ MMAFighting Newswire (September 30, 2014). "Jeremy Stephens to clash with Charles Oliveira at TUF 20 Finale". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  22. ↑ Staff (2015-03-31). "Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens booked for UFC 189 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-03-31.
  23. ↑ Steven Marrocco (2015-07-11). "UFC 189 results: Jeremy Stephens knee plants Dennis Bermudez for TKO in brawl". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
  24. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (2015-09-03). "UFC 194 update: Max Holloway to lock horns with Jeremy Stephens in Las Vegas". sherdog.com.com. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  25. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2015-12-12). "UFC 194 results: UFC 194 results: Max Holloway tops Jeremy Stephens for 8th straight, wants title shot". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-12.
  26. ↑ Jesse Holland (2016-03-17). "Renan Barao jumps to featherweight, fights Jeremy Stephens on May 29". Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  27. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2016-05-29). "UFC Fight Night 88 results: Jeremy Stephens upsets Renan Barao, spoils ex-champ's jump to featherweight". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
  28. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (2016-05-30). "UFC Fight Night bonuses: Garbrandt, Stephens, Barao, Collier pocket $50K Awards". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
  29. ↑ Jesse Holland (2016-09-15). "UFC 205: Frankie Edgar vs Jeremy Stephens on tap for Nov. 12 in New York". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
  30. ↑ Ben Fowkles (2016-11-12). "UFC 205 results: Frankie Edgar survives head kick to outduel Jeremy Stephens in thriller". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-12.
  31. ↑ John Morgan (2017-03-01). "Renato Moicano vs. Jeremy Stephens added to UFC on FOX 24 in Kansas City". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
  32. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2017-04-15). "UFC on FOX 24 results: Renato Moicano outpoints Jeremy Stephens for narrow split call". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-04-15.
  33. ↑ Adam Guillen Jr. (2017-07-03). "Gilbert Melendez vs. Jeremy Stephens featherweight fight in the works for UFC 215 on Sept. 9". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
  34. ↑ "UFC 215 results: Vicious Jeremy Stephens low kicks destroy Gilbert Melendez". MMAjunkie. 2017-09-10. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  35. ↑ "UFC 215 bonuses: Cejudo, Stephens among $50K winners". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  36. ↑ "Jeremy Stephens vs. Doo Ho Choi slated for UFC St. Louis". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  37. ↑ Steven Marrocco (2018-01-15). "UFC Fight Night 124 results: Jeremy Stephens devastates Dooho Choi with second-round TKO". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-01-15.
  38. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (2018-01-14). "UFC Fight Night 124 bonuses: Stephens, Choi, Elkins, Reyes receive $50K checks". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2018-01-14.
  39. ↑ "Jeremy Stephens gets quick turnaround, meets Josh Emmett in UFC on FOX 28 headliner". MMAjunkie. 2018-01-19. Retrieved 2018-01-19.
  40. ↑ "UFC on FOX 28 results: Jeremy Stephens violently KOs Josh Emmett, calls for title shot". MMAjunkie. 2018-02-25. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  41. ↑ "UFC on FOX 28 bonuses: Jeremy Stephens' violent KO gets him $50,000". MMAjunkie. 2018-02-25. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  42. ↑ Staff (2018-04-27). "UFC on FOX 30 official for Calgary, eight fights added to lineup". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
  43. ↑ "UFC on FOX 30 results: Jose Aldo stops Jeremy Stephens with first-round body shot". MMAjunkie. 2018-07-29. Retrieved 2018-07-29.
  44. ↑ Jeremy Stephens (lilheathenmma) on Twitter
  45. ↑ "The new "Mr. International," Jeremy Stephens, plans on stealing the show at UFC 113". MMAJUNKIE.com. 2010-05-04. Retrieved 2010-05-04.
  46. ↑ "MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for June 2014". MMAjunkie. 2014-07-11. Retrieved 2016-09-28.
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