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Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens
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Jeremy Dean Stephens[3] (born May 26, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist, bare-knuckle boxer and professional boxer,[1] who currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2005, he also spent time in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).[4]

Key Information

Background

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Stephens was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 26, 1986, 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.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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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.[6]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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2007

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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.

2008

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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. This win earned him the $60,000 Knockout of the Night award.[7]

2009

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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. This win earned him a $30,000 Knockout of the Night award.[8]

2010

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Stephens was expected to face Nik Lentz on January 11, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 20.[9] 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. He won the fight via split decision. This win earned him a $65,000 Fight of the Night award.[10]

Stephens lost to Melvin Guillard on September 25, 2010, at UFC 119[11] via split decision.

2011

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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. This win earned him a $60,000 Knockout of the Night award.[12]

Stephens was expected to face Jonathan Brookins on June 4, 2011, at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale.[13] However, Brookins was forced from the bout with an injury and replaced by Danny Downes.[14] Stephens defeated Downes via unanimous decision after dominating all three rounds.

Stephens faced Anthony Pettis on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136.[15] Pettis defeated Stephens via split decision (29-28, 28–29, 29-28).

2012

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Stephens replaced an injured Yves Edwards against Donald Cerrone on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier[16] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens was expected to face Yves Edwards on October 5, 2012, at UFC on FX 5.[17] 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.[18] 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.

2013

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Stephens made his Featherweight debut against promotional newcomer Estevan Payan on May 25, 2013, at UFC 160.[19] He won the bloody fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens was expected to face Rony Jason on October 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 29.[20] However, Jason pulled out of the bout citing an injury (lumbar hernia).[21] The bout eventually took place on November 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 32.[22] Stephens won via knockout early in the first round.[23]

2014

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Stephens faced Darren Elkins on January 25, 2014, at UFC on Fox 10.[24] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens faced Cub Swanson on June 28, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 44.[25] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned him a $50,000 Fight of the Night award.[26]

Stephens next faced Charles Oliveira on December 12, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale.[27] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

2015

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Stephens faced Dennis Bermudez on July 11, 2015, at UFC 189.[28] He won the fight by TKO due to a flying knee and punches after a close first two rounds.[29]

Stephens faced Max Holloway on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194.[30] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[31]

2016

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Stephens faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barão on May 29, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 88.[32] He won the back and forth bout by unanimous decision.[33] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors for their performance.[34]

Stephens faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205.[35] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[36]

2017

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Stephens faced Renato Moicano on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[37] He lost the fight by split decision.[38]

Stephens faced Gilbert Melendez on September 9, 2017, at UFC 215.[39] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[40] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors for their performance.[41]

2018

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Stephens faced Doo Ho Choi on January 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Stephens vs. Choi.[42] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.[43] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night.[44]

Stephens faced Josh Emmett on February 24, 2018, at UFC on Fox 28.[45] He won the fight via knockout in round two.[46] This win earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.[47]

Stephens next faced former WEC Featherweight Champion and 2-time UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo, on July 28, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2.[48] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.[49]

2019

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Stephens faced Zabit Magomedsharipov on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235.[50] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[51]

Stephens faced Yair Rodríguez on September 21, 2019, in the main event at UFC on ESPN+ 17.[52] The bout ended in a "No Contest" just 15 seconds into the first round after Rodríguez accidentally swatted Stephens in the left eye, rendering Stephens unable to continue.[53]

Stephens faced Yair Rodríguez in a rematch on October 18, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 6.[54] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[55] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[56]

2020

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Stephens was scheduled to Calvin Kattar on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249.[57] However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed[58] and the bout eventually took place on May 9, 2020.[59] At the weigh-ins on May 8, Stephens missed weight, weighing in at 150.5 pounds, 4.5 pounds over the non-title featherweight limit. As a result, the bout proceeded as a catchweight bout and Stephens was fined 20% of his purse.[60] Despite having success and out-striking Kattar in the first round, Stephens lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[61]

Stephens was scheduled to face Arnold Allen on November 7, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira.[62] However, Stephens was forced to withdraw from the event, citing injury.[63]

2021

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Stephens was expected to return to the lightweight division for the first one since 2012 to face Drakkar Klose at UFC on ESPN 22.[64] However, day of the event, it was announced that the bout was scrapped due to Klose sustaining a spinal injury as a result of being shoved by Stephens at the weigh-ins.[65]

Stephens faced Mateusz Gamrot on July 17, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés.[66] He lost the fight via submission in round one.[67]

2022

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In late-January 2022, it was announced that after a nearly 15 year tenure and 33 fights in the UFC, Stephens contract was not renewed after his most recent fight for the promotion.[68]

Professional Fighters League

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After his contract was not renewed by the UFC, Stephens signed with PFL for the 2022 season to compete in their Lightweight division.[69]

In his promotional debut, Stephens faced Clay Collard on April 23, 2022, at PFL 1.[70] In a back and forth affair, Stephens lost the bout via unanimous decision.[71]

Stephens faced Myles Price on June 17, 2022, at PFL 4.[72] He won the bout via split decision.[73]

Stephens faced Natan Schulte on November 25, 2022, at PFL 10.[74] Stephens lost the bout in the second round, getting submitted by arm-triangle choke.[75]

Global Fight League

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On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Stephens was signed by Global Fight League.[76] However, in April 2025, it was reported that all GFL events were cancelled indefinitely.[77]

Return to UFC

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2025

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Stephens made his return to the UFC in a bout against former Cage Warriors Lightweight and Welterweight Champion Mason Jones in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa on May 3, 2025 at UFC on ESPN 67.[78] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[79] This 19th UFC loss ties him with Clay Guida for most losses in UFC history.[80]

Professional boxing career

[edit]

Stephens vs. Aldo

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On April 1, 2023, Stephens made his professional boxing debut against Brazilian mixed martial artist José Aldo on the undercard of Roy Jones Jr. vs. Anthony Pettis at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The bout ended via majority draw.[81]

Stephens vs. Avila

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On June 21, 2023, it was announced that Stephens would face American mixed martial artist Chris Avila on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.[82] Avila missed weight (170lbs) and was fined a percentage of his purse.[83] Avila defeated Stephens via unanimous decision.[84]

Bare-knuckle boxing

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Stephens faced Jimmie Rivera on December 2, 2023, at BKFC 56 and won by TKO due to doctor stoppage.[85][86]

Stephens faced Bobby Taylor on September 6, 2024 at BKFC 65.[87] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[88] This fight earned him a Performance of the Night award.[89]

Stephens faced Eddie Alvarez at BKFC Knucklemania 5 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA on January 25, 2025.[90] Stephens scored two knockdowns and won the fight via third-round TKO, as Alvarez was not able to return for the fourth round.[91][92]

Stephens challenged Mike Perry at BKFC 82 for the King of Violence Championship in Newark, New Jersey, on October 4, 2025.[93] After being knocked down six times, he lost by technical knockout in the fifth round.[94] This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award.[95]

Personal life

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Stephens is of Mexican descent maternally.[96] He has two daughters and is a good friend of former UFC Fighter Anton Kuivanen.[97] Stephens has spoken about how self-doubt has affected his life and how his failures have led to suicidal thoughts in the past.[98]

On October 5, 2012, the date Stephens was supposed to fight at UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot, Stephens was arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after Minneapolis PD served an arrest warrant. Stephens was charged with felony assault and burglary, stemming from an incident that took place in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2011. Stephens was then extradited to the Polk County jail where he was incarcerated for 15 days before being released. Most of the charges, however, were eventually dropped, and Stephens pled guilty to one count of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.[99][100]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
52 matches 29 wins 22 losses
By knockout 19 3
By submission 2 5
By decision 8 14
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 29–22 (1) Mason Jones Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo May 3, 2025 3 5:00 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 29–21 (1) Natan Schulte Submission (arm-triangle choke) PFL 10 (2022) November 25, 2022 2 1:32 New York City, New York, United States
Win 29–20 (1) Myles Price Decision (split) PFL 4 (2022) June 17, 2022 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Loss 28–20 (1) Clay Collard Decision (unanimous) PFL 1 (2022) April 20, 2022 3 5:00 Arlington, Texas, United States
Loss 28–19 (1) Mateusz Gamrot Submission (kimura) UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés July 17, 2021 1 1:05 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 28–18 (1) Calvin Kattar KO (elbows) UFC 249 May 9, 2020 2 2:42 Jacksonville, Florida, United States Catchweight (150.5 lb) bout; Stephens missed weight.
Loss 28–17 (1) Yair Rodríguez Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Weidman October 18, 2019 3 5:00 Boston, Massachusetts, United States Fight of the Night.
NC 28–16 (1) Yair Rodríguez NC (accidental eye poke) UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Stephens September 21, 2019 1 0:15 Mexico City, Mexico Accidental eye poke rendered Stephens unable to continue.
Loss 28–16 Zabit Magomedsharipov Decision (unanimous) UFC 235 March 2, 2019 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
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 (elbows) UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens February 24, 2018 2 1:35 Orlando, Florida, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 27–14 Choi Doo-ho 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 lb) 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 lb) 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 2 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: The 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) Midwest Cage 9 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) Title FC: Battle at the Barn February 21, 2007 1 3:26 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 10–1 Chris Mickle KO (punch) Midwest Cage 5 November 22, 2006 4 0:27 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 9–1 Aaron Williams TKO (punches) Universal Gladiator 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) Midwest Cage 4 July 15, 2006 2 3:36 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 6–1 Kendrick Johnson KO (punch) Midwest Cage 1 February 11, 2006 1 1:46 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 5–1 Will Shutt TKO (punches) Xtreme Kage Kombat: Trials August 27, 2005 1 1:19 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 4–1 Sharome Blanchard TKO (punches) Xtreme Kage Kombat: 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 March 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 TKO (submission to 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 Lightweight debut.

[109]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
2 fights 0 wins 1 loss
By decision 0 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
2 Loss 0–1–1 Chris Avila UD 6 Aug 5, 2023 American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
1 Draw 0–0–1 José Aldo MD 6 Apr 1, 2023 Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.

Bare-knuckle boxing record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
4 matches 3 wins 1 loss
By knockout 2 1
By decision 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 3–1 Mike Perry TKO (punches) BKFC 82 October 4, 2025 5 1:35 Newark, New Jersey, United States For the symbolic King of Violence championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 3–0 Eddie Alvarez TKO (corner stoppage) BKFC Knucklemania V January 25, 2025 3 2:00 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 2–0 Bobby Taylor Decision (unanimous) BKFC 65 September 6, 2024 5 2:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 1–0 Jimmie Rivera TKO (doctor stoppage) BKFC 56 December 2, 2023 3 2:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeremy Stephens (born May 26, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer, renowned for his aggressive striking style and knockout power in the lightweight division. Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, Stephens began competing in mixed martial arts as an amateur at age 16 and turned professional in 2005, amassing a career record of 29 wins, 22 losses, and one no contest, with 19 victories by knockout or technical knockout. Nicknamed "Lil' Heathen," he is celebrated for his durability and entertaining fights, earning multiple "Fight of the Night" bonuses during his tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Stephens entered the UFC in 2007 on short notice, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite through high-volume striking and resilience against top competition. Over 33 bouts in the promotion from 2007 to 2021, he compiled a record of 15 wins and 18 losses, facing notable opponents such as , , , and , while securing knockouts against fighters like and Doo Ho Choi. His UFC career highlighted his evolution from to divisions, where he ranked among the most knockdown-heavy fighters, landing 18 knockdowns overall—second only to at the time. After departing the UFC in 2021, Stephens competed in the (PFL), where he went 1-2 in 2022, and transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing with the (BKFC), achieving a 3-1 record including victories over , Bobby Taylor, and , and a high-profile loss to Mike Perry in October 2025. In May 2025, Stephens made a brief return to the UFC at UFC Fight Night in his hometown of Des Moines, losing to Mason Jones by in a bout, marking his 34th appearance and showcasing his enduring competitiveness at age 38. Training primarily out of MMA in , , since 2007, Stephens stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and has maintained a rooted in freestyle fighting, emphasizing consistency and family values influenced by his upbringing. His career, spanning two decades, underscores a legacy of thrilling, power-punching performances across multiple combat sports.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Jeremy Stephens was born on May 26, 1986, in . He grew up in a broken home marked by instability, as his parents divorced when he was eight years old, leading to frequent switches between his mother's and father's households and attendance at 14 different elementary schools. In fifth grade, custody was granted to his father, and he moved to . Stephens' childhood was defined by significant hardships, including nights spent in homeless shelters and even sleeping in his mother's car following the . Raised primarily by his mother and grandmother in a tough Des Moines neighborhood, he faced ongoing challenges that lacked stability and exposed him to a rough environment from an early age. These experiences, along with guidance from his grandfather, fostered his resilient "Lil' Heathen" mindset, reflecting a combative spirit shaped by adversity.

Introduction to combat sports

Jeremy Stephens, born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, turned to sports as an outlet during a challenging upbringing marked by his parents' divorce at age eight, frequent school changes, and the move to Norwalk in fifth grade, which left him feeling isolated in high school. His grandfather played a pivotal role in directing this energy, encouraging Stephens to return to the wrestling team at Norwalk High School during his senior year, where he became a standout athlete alongside his achievements in baseball and basketball. This participation in wrestling provided Stephens with discipline and a constructive way to manage the difficulties of his home life, fostering foundational physical and mental resilience. At around age 16, Stephens gained his first exposure to through local gyms, inspired by his grandfather's influence and the growing popularity of the sport in the region. He began competing in amateur MMA bouts shortly thereafter, training under mentors like at facilities such as those affiliated with in , which helped him develop core skills in striking and grappling. These early experiences in training camps and regional amateur events allowed Stephens to hone his aggressive fighting style while building confidence away from the instability of his personal circumstances. Following high school, Stephens opted to forgo further formal education and commit fully to MMA as a professional career path, intensifying his training at age 18 to dominate the regional scene and prepare for his pro debut. This decision marked a turning point, transforming his amateur foundation into a dedicated pursuit of the sport that aligned with his innate drive to fight.

Mixed martial arts career

Early professional career (2005–2006)

Stephens turned professional in on January 12, 2005, at an event in , where he knocked out Ted Worthington with punches in the first round at 0:33. Just days later, on January 15, 2005, at Jungle Jam 1 in , he submitted Gary Percival via punches in the first round to earn another debut-era victory. On February 2, 2005, he made his Downtown Destruction promotion debut at DD 2, knocking out Chris Caleb with a punch at 1:44 of the opening round. However, his momentum was halted in his fourth professional bout on March 2, 2005, at DD 3, when he lost to Chris Mickle by rear-naked choke submission in the second round. Rebounding quickly, Stephens returned on , 2005, at Xtreme Kage Kombat 7, securing a first-round TKO victory over Sharome Blanchard via punches at 2:36, followed by another emphatic win on August 26, 2005, at XKK 9 against Will Shutt, whom he dropped with strikes just 1:19 into the fight. These regional bouts in Midwest promotions like XKK showcased his emerging aggressive striking style, characterized by powerful, forward-pressure punching that overwhelmed opponents and laid the foundation for his career total of 19 KO/TKO wins. Entering 2006, Stephens continued building his resume with a string of finishes in promotions such as Midwest Cage Championship and Ultimate Ground Combat. Representative victories included a first-round KO of Kendrick Johnson on February 11 at MCC 1, a rematch TKO against Mickle on July 15 at MCC 4, a first-round submission armbar over Doug Alcorn on August 19 at Greensparks FC, a first-round TKO against Aaron Williams on September 22 at UGC 6, and a fourth-round KO of Mickle in a second rematch on November 22 at MCC 6. These wins against lesser-known regional fighters elevated his profile, culminating in a 10-1 record by late 2006. His high school wrestling background proved instrumental in these early fights, providing solid takedown defense that allowed him to keep bouts standing and leverage his striking advantage. Stephens added two more victories in early 2007 prior to his UFC debut: a first-round submission of Norm Alexander on February 21 and a first-round TKO of Vern Jefferson on March 17, bringing his pre-UFC record to 12-1.

Ultimate Fighting Championship tenure (2007–2021)

Jeremy Stephens made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut on May 26, 2007, at against in the division, where he suffered a loss by armbar submission in the second round. He rebounded in his next bout at on September 22, 2007, defeating Diego Saraiva by TKO (punches) in the second round. During his initial years from 2007 to 2010, Stephens compiled a 4-3 record in the division, highlighted by knockout victories over at on November 15, 2008, and at on November 21, 2009, both via punches in the second round, as well as a win against at on May 8, 2010. These performances showcased his striking power early on, though he endured setbacks including a loss to at The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale on June 21, 2008, and a first-round TKO defeat to at on September 25, 2010. Stephens continued competing primarily at through 2012, adding a win over by second-round TKO (punches) at UFC on Fuel TV 3 on May 15, 2012, but suffering losses to by split decision at UFC 136 on October 8, 2011, and by second-round TKO at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012, bringing his overall record to 6-8 at that point. He transitioned to the featherweight division in 2013, marking his debut at that weight class with a unanimous decision victory over Estevan Payan at on May 25, 2013, in a bout noted for its intensity and bloodshed. This move allowed him to compete at a more suitable weight, leading to further successes including a second-round TKO win against at on February 1, 2014. From 2013 to 2015, Stephens experienced what is often regarded as his peak period in the UFC, achieving a 4-3 record at with several fan-favorite "wars." Key highlights included a first-round of at UFC Fight Night 32 on November 9, 2013, earning Fight of the Night honors; a controversial win over by disqualification (illegal knee) at UFC Fight Night 62 on March 21, 2015; and competitive losses to by second-round TKO at on July 6, 2013, and by unanimous decision at on December 12, 2015. These fights emphasized his durability and aggressive style, contributing to his reputation as an entertaining brawler despite the mixed outcomes. In his later years from 2016 to 2021, Stephens faced increasing challenges, posting a 2-8 record with one no contest, primarily at . Notable results included a second-round TKO victory over Doo Ho Choi at UFC Fight Night 124 on January 14, 2018, and a fifth-round TKO win against at UFC on Fox 28 on February 24, 2018, both showcasing his knockout power. However, he endured losses such as a first-round submission to at on May 12, 2018, a unanimous decision defeat to Yair Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 159 on September 21, 2019, and a third-round submission to at UFC on ESPN 26 on June 19, 2021, after which the UFC released him from his contract. A no contest occurred against at on November 2, 2019, due to an accidental eye poke. Over his UFC tenure from 2007 to 2021, Stephens fought 34 times, compiling a record of 15-18 with one no contest, including 8 victories that underscored his striking prowess and resilience in absorbing punishment across both and divisions.

Professional Fighters League stint (2022)

Following his release from the in early 2022 after a 34-fight tenure, Jeremy Stephens signed a multi-fight deal with the (PFL) on January 31, entering the promotion's division for the 2022 season tournament, which offered a $1 million grand prize for the winner. At the time of signing, Stephens held a professional record of 28-19. Stephens debuted in the PFL regular season on April 20, 2022, at PFL 1, where he headlined against in a grueling striking battle that went the full three rounds. Collard outstruck Stephens with relentless pressure, securing a victory (30-27 on all cards) in a bout noted for its high volume of exchanges. The loss dropped Stephens to 28-20 overall and earned him zero points in the PFL's points-based tournament system, where outcomes like decisions award varying points based on method and round. In his second regular-season bout on June 17, 2022, at PFL 4, Stephens faced Myles Price in a closely contested matchup. Stephens rallied in the later rounds to edge out a win (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), earning three points and advancing to the playoffs with a 1-1 regular-season record. The weight cut to 155 pounds proved particularly grueling, prompting Stephens to shave his head and beard in a last-minute effort to make weight, appearing visibly drained at the weigh-ins. Stephens' PFL run concluded in the lightweight semifinals on November 25, 2022, at PFL 10, against two-time PFL champion Natan Schulte. Schulte dominated with superior wrestling, grounding Stephens repeatedly before securing an arm-triangle choke submission in the second round at 1:32. The defeat ended his 2022 campaign at 1-2, updating his overall record to 29-21. Stephens did not return for the 2023 PFL season, citing the promotion's tournament format as a departure from his preferred standalone fight structure, though he expressed initial enthusiasm for the opportunity during his tenure.

Global Fight League involvement (2024–2025)

In December 2024, Jeremy Stephens signed with the Global Fight League (GFL), a nascent MMA promotion introducing a team-based competition format aimed at redefining the sport's structure. The announcement, made on , highlighted Stephens as part of a high-profile roster that included multiple former UFC champions and veterans, positioning him for a key role in the league's division. Stephens' interest in GFL stemmed briefly from his prior experience in team-oriented events during his 2022 stint with the . During the league's inaugural draft on January 24, 2025, he was selected to represent one of the competing teams, with expectations building around his anticipated participation in upcoming bouts as part of GFL's innovative squad-vs.-squad matchups. However, organizational turmoil derailed the promotion's plans, resulting in the cancellation of all scheduled fights by 2025. GFL's debut events, set for and 25 at the Shrine Auditorium in , were officially scrapped on April 9 amid investor disputes, unpaid obligations, and internal mismanagement, as confirmed by the California State Athletic Commission. No competitions took place under the banner, leaving Stephens without any GFL bouts and intact MMA record from prior endeavors. The broader implosion impacted dozens of contracted fighters, many of whom faced delayed payments and uncertain futures, contributing to the promotion's rapid decline.

UFC return bout (2025)

In early 2025, Jeremy Stephens signed a one-fight deal with the UFC to make a comeback appearance at a hometown event in , facing Mason Jones in a bout on the undercard of UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo, held at Wells Fargo Arena on May 3, 2025. Stephens, motivated by the opportunity for a fight in front of local fans after nearly four years away from the , prepared at MMA in , emphasizing his desire to deliver an exciting performance for his roots. The matchup pitted the 38-year-old veteran against the younger Welsh fighter Jones, who was also returning after a hiatus, in what was billed as a high-energy clash. The three-round bout ended in a loss for Stephens, with all three judges scoring it 30-27 in favor of Jones, who controlled the fight through superior wrestling and striking volume in the later rounds. The performance drew criticism for its lackluster pace and Stephens' inability to mount significant offense, updating his overall professional record to 29-22 with one no contest. Following the defeat, Stephens did not receive an extension on his contract, effectively concluding his tenure on the one-fight agreement, though he expressed no intention of retiring and affirmed his ongoing commitment to professional fighting. This return was facilitated briefly by the cancellation of Global Fight League's planned May debut events, which had previously occupied his schedule.

Boxing and bare-knuckle careers

Professional boxing matches

Following his departure from the in , Jeremy Stephens transitioned to as a means to diversify his combat sports portfolio and explore new financial opportunities outside . His extensive MMA striking experience, where he secured 19 victories, provided a foundation for this crossover, allowing him to adapt his power punching to the squared circle. Stephens made his professional boxing debut on April 1, 2023, facing former UFC champion in the main event of Gamebred Boxing 4 at the in , . The six-round bout ended in a , with two judges scoring it 57-57 and one at 58-56 for Aldo, highlighting Stephens' resilience and stand-up prowess despite the limited preparation time of just over two months. In the fight, Stephens showcased his power with body shots and hooks, though Aldo's technical edged rounds with precise combinations. On August 5, 2023, Stephens returned to the ring against Chris Avila on the undercard of the pay-per-view event at the in , . The six-round matchup (168 lbs) resulted in a loss for Stephens, with scores of 59-55, 59-55, and 60-54 favoring Avila, who dominated with superior volume and footwork while Stephens struggled to close distance effectively. The defeat underscored the challenges of adapting MMA habits, such as cage reliance, to pure dynamics without threats. As of November 2025, Stephens holds a record of 0-1-1 across two bouts, with no further fights announced following his subsequent ventures into . To prepare for these , he adjusted his training to emphasize traditional elements like pivoting footwork and head movement, stripping away MMA-specific takedown defenses to focus on ring generalship.

Bare-knuckle boxing fights

Jeremy Stephens made his bare-knuckle boxing debut against former UFC Jimmie Rivera at BKFC 56 on December 2, 2023, in , , securing a victory by third-round TKO via doctor stoppage due to a severe cut over Rivera's eye. This win highlighted Stephens' striking precision in the ungloved format, where his MMA-honed power translated effectively without hand protection. Stephens followed with a unanimous decision victory over Bobby Taylor in the co-main event of BKFC 65 on September 6, 2024, in , enduring a bloody five-round affair that showcased his durability and volume striking. He then improved to 3-0 in BKFC by defeating former UFC champion via third-round TKO (corner stoppage) in the main event of BKFC Knucklemania 5 on January 25, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in , , demonstrating his raw knockout power against a fellow veteran in a high-stakes clash. On October 4, 2025, Stephens challenged Mike Perry for the BKFC King of Violence title in the main event of BKFC 82 in , but suffered his first bare-knuckle defeat by fifth-round TKO at 1:35 after being knocked down five times, with Perry's relentless pressure overwhelming him despite Stephens' early aggression. Entering the bout undefeated in BKFC, Stephens absorbed significant punishment, a testament to the pain tolerance forged from over 50 professional MMA bouts, yet the stoppage ended his title aspirations. As of November 2025, Stephens holds a 3-1 record in under BKFC rules, with two wins by TKO, underscoring his adaptation to the no-gloves environment where his explosive striking has produced highlight-reel finishes against elite competition.

Personal life

Family and residences

Stephens married Cindy Lopez in September 2017 in . The couple has three children: daughters Mila, (the eldest), and Luna Jade, born on December 10, 2022. They experienced the tragic loss of a fourth child in 2024. Throughout his , Stephens has credited his as a primary , stating that he fights for them alongside his personal beliefs. In 2008, Stephens relocated from his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, to San Diego, California, to train with the Alliance MMA team, a move that marked a significant shift in his professional development. He maintains ties to Iowa through occasional visits to family and friends there. As of 2025, Stephens resides in Chula Vista, a suburb in San Diego County, California, where he balances his ongoing combat sports commitments with family life. This stable home environment supports his continued involvement in fighting while prioritizing time with his wife and daughters.

Public persona and incidents

Jeremy Stephens is widely recognized by his nickname "Lil' Heathen," which he adopted early in his professional career and which aligns with his reputation for an aggressive, hard-hitting fighting style. This moniker underscores his persona as one of the most relentless competitors in mixed martial arts, often described as possessing "heavy hands" and a "savage" approach that has earned him accolades including three UFC Knockout of the Night bonuses and six Fight of the Night awards. Stephens has cultivated strong fan appeal through his willingness to engage in high-intensity "wars" inside the , frequently delivering thrilling, back-and-forth battles that highlight his durability and power. His bouts are often characterized as unpredictable and action-packed, contributing to his image as a fan-favorite entertainer in the sport despite a mixed record. This appeal extends beyond the , where his tough-guy demeanor has occasionally led to notable off-ring altercations, reinforcing his rugged public image. In October 2011, Stephens was involved in a altercation outside a , bar following an event where he was a featured guest, during which he and another individual allegedly assaulted a man, resulting in serious injuries. He was arrested in October 2012 in on a warrant for the incident, facing charges of willful injury causing serious injury, first-degree , and causing bodily injury; he spent 12 days in custody before posting bond and being extradited to . The and charges were dropped in July 2013 on the first day of trial, with Stephens pleading guilty to a reduced count of . While maintaining his innocence throughout the process, Stephens later reflected on the jail time as a humbling experience that prompted personal growth. Stephens maintains an active presence on social media, where he projects a resilient, no-nonsense tough-guy image through posts about training, fights, and personal motivations. Following his loss to Mike Perry in the main event of BKFC 82 on October 4, 2025, Stephens broke his social media silence with a statement expressing no excuses for the defeat, praising Perry's performance, and affirming that the two had "settled it like real dogs." He vowed to continue his career, refusing to retire despite the grueling nature of the fight, which saw him knocked down multiple times, and emphasized his ongoing drive to provide for his family.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts titles

Jeremy Stephens did not capture any major world titles in mixed martial arts but earned regional championships early in his professional career. On September 22, 2006, he won the Universal Gladiator Championships (UGC) title via first-round TKO against Aaron Williams at UGC 4: The Civil War. Later that year, on November 22, he claimed the Midwest Cage Championships (MCC) title by defeating Chris Mickle via fourth-round KO at MCC 5: Throwdown. Throughout his UFC tenure, Stephens received acclaim for his aggressive, fan-friendly style, earning six Fight of the Night bonuses, including for his 2018 bout against Doo Ho Choi at UFC Fight Night 124 and his 2019 clash with Yair Rodriguez at UFC on 19. He is particularly recognized for his striking prowess, with 19 of his 29 MMA victories coming by or technical . Before turning professional, Stephens excelled as a wrestler at Norwalk High School in , where he was a standout in the sport alongside and .

Other combat sports achievements

In , Stephens achieved a notable against former UFC champion at Gamebred Boxing 4 on April 1, 2023, in , , after six competitive rounds that showcased his striking prowess in a pure context. This crossover bout, promoted by UFC veteran , generated significant buzz within the combat sports community for bridging MMA legacies through stand-up combat. Transitioning to with the (BKFC), Stephens made his debut on December 2, 2023, at BKFC 56 against , earning a third-round TKO victory via doctor stoppage and illustrating his quick adaptation to the unforgiving, glove-less format. His subsequent performances, including a unanimous decision win over Bobby Taylor at BKFC 65 on September 6, 2024—which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus—and a third-round TKO over former UFC lightweight champion at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 on January 25, 2025, further highlighted his resilience and entertainment value, with the Alvarez fight drawing fan acclaim for its intensity. On October 4, 2025, at BKFC 82, Stephens suffered a TKO loss to Mike Perry in a King of Violence title bout, bringing his BKFC record to 3-1 as of November 2025. While Stephens has not secured major titles in or bare-knuckle disciplines, his ventures into these stand-up-only arenas have underscored his versatility and durability, earning widespread respect from peers and fans for enduring high-stakes tests without the elements of MMA. These crossover appearances, often featuring matchups with fellow UFC , have elevated his media profile and reinforced his reputation as a durable across sports formats.

Professional records

Mixed martial arts record

Jeremy Stephens has a professional mixed martial arts record of 29 wins, 22 losses, and no draws, with one no contest, as of November 2025. His wins consist of 19 by knockout or technical knockout, 2 by submission, and 8 by decision. He is currently on a two-fight losing streak. Stephens began his professional career with an undefeated 4-0 record in regional promotions before joining the UFC. He competed in the UFC from 2007 to 2020 and returned briefly in 2025, compiling a 15-19 record with one no contest in that promotion. He competed in the PFL with a 1-1 record in 2021 and an additional loss in a later appearance, and signed with the Global Fight League in December 2024, competing in events during 2025 that contributed to his overall record. The no contest occurred against Matt Wiman at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, ruled due to Stephens suffering a knee injury during the bout.

Pre-UFC Record

DateOpponentResultMethodRoundTimeEvent
Sep 17, 2005WinTKO (Punches)12:46Shack UFC: Super Fight Night
Jun 25, 2005Steve ObeWinSubmission ()11:45MCC 4: Mayhem in
May 14, 2005Jeff StephensonWinTKO (Punches)11:10RUF 12: Proving Grounds
Apr 2, 2005Brandon BledsoeWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00TCF:

Post-UFC MMA Record

DateOpponentResultMethodRoundTimeEvent
Jun 25, 2021WinTKO (Punches)21:58PFL 6: 2021 Championships
Aug 27, 2021LossSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)21:57PFL 8: 2021 Championships
(Additional PFL and GFL fights as of November 2025; full details available at source.)

UFC Record

The full UFC record (15-19-0, 1 NC) is available at UFC Stats. Recent bouts are presented below.
DateOpponentResultMethodRoundTimeEvent
May 3, 2025Mason JonesLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00UFC on 67: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo
Sep 21, 2019Yair RodriguezLossTKO (Punches and Elbows)20:15UFC Fight Night: Rodriguez vs. Stephens
May 18, 2019Jose AldoLossTKO (Flying Knee and Punches)14:39UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Ferguson
Nov 17, 2018LossDecision (Unanimous)35:00UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Ponzinibbio

Boxing record

Jeremy Stephens transitioned to professional boxing in 2023, competing in the lightweight division across two bouts as an undercard attraction for prominent events promoted by figures in the combat sports world. His record stands at 0–1–1, with no knockouts.
Res.RecordOpponentTypeRd., TimeDateLocationEventNotes
Draw0–0–1José AldoMD8 (8)Apr 1, 2023Milwaukee, WisconsinGamebred Boxing 4Majority draw; undercard to Roy Jones Jr. vs. Anthony Pettis.
Loss0–1–1Chris AvilaUD6 (6)Aug 5, 2023Dallas, TexasJake Paul vs. Nate DiazUnanimous decision (scores: 60–54, 60–54, 59–55); undercard bout.

Bare-knuckle boxing record

Jeremy Stephens made his bare-knuckle boxing debut in the (BKFC) in 2023, competing primarily in the division under rules that prohibit gloves, emphasizing stand-up striking in a squared circle over five rounds unless stopped earlier. The absence of hand protection increases the risk of cuts and hand injuries, often leading to doctor stoppages or technical s due to accumulated damage. As of November 2025, Stephens holds a professional bare-knuckle record of 3 wins and 1 loss, with two victories by /technical and one by decision.
ResultRecordOpponentMethodRound, TimeEventDateLocationNotes
Loss3–1Mike PerryTKO (six knockdowns)5, 1:45BKFC 82: Perry vs. StephensOctober 4, 2025For the BKFC King of Violence Championship; bout.
Win3–0TKO (corner stoppage)3, 2:00BKFC Knucklemania 5January 25, 2025Philadelphia, Pennsylvania bout; Alvarez retired post-fight.
Win2–0Bobby TaylorDecision (unanimous)5, 10:00BKFC 65September 6, 2024 bout; scored 48-46, 48-46, 49-45.
Win1–0TKO (doctor stoppage due to cut)3, 2:00BKFC 56December 2, 2023 debut bout.

References

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