Jeremy Stephens

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.

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.

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. 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 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. However, Brookins was forced from the bout with an injury and replaced by Danny Downes. Stephens defeated Downes via unanimous decision after dominating all three rounds.

Stephens faced Anthony Pettis on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. 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 He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens was expected to face Yves Edwards on October 5, 2012 at UFC on FX 5. 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. 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. He won the bloody fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens was expected to face Rony Jason on October 9, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 29. However, Jason pulled out of the bout citing an injury (lumbar hernia). The bout eventually took place on November 9, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 32. Stephens won via knockout early in the first round.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal life

Stephens is of Mexican and Caucasian descent. He has two daughters and is a good friend of former UFC Fighter Anton Kuivanen.

Championships and accomplishments