One of the most memorable moments in UFC history came during a pre-fight presser for UFC 205 when Jeremy Stephens clashed with Conor McGregor in a fiery face-off. Stephens, attempting to make his presence known, confidently declared himself the hardest-hitting fighter in the division, stating, “When I knock people out, they don’t f—ing move”. Without missing a beat, McGregor responded with the now-iconic line, “Who the f–k is that guy?”

The pair once again locked horns in the recently concluded BKFC event where Stephens won his fight against Eddie Alvarez. However, this time Stephens looked absolutely unfazed by the way the former champion behaved. Let us take a look at what he had to say about the entire incident.

Jeremy Stephens feels he can make easy work of Conor McGregor if they fight next

On January 25, 2025, at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, Jeremy Stephens faced Eddie Alvarez in a highly anticipated bare-knuckle boxing match. Both fighters, former UFC standouts, brought their reputations for toughness and striking prowess into the ring, promising an electrifying encounter. From the opening bell, ‘Lil Heathen’ showcased his aggressive striking, utilizing his power to keep Alvarez on the defensive. He successfully scored two knockdowns during the bout, demonstrating his dominance in the stand-up exchanges.

Alvarez, known for his resilience, attempted to rally but struggled to find his rhythm against Stephens’ relentless offense. The fight concluded at the end of the third round when Alvarez was unable to continue, resulting in a corner-stoppage TKO victory for Stephens. This win marked a significant achievement in Stephens’ bare-knuckle boxing career, highlighting his adaptability and striking capabilities in the BKFC arena. However, after the fight, Conor McGregor – part owner of the BKFC – went into the ring to have a face-off with him. A clip of both fighters was shared on X where McGregor can be heard accepting a fight with Stephens under the BKFC banner.

Stephens not only enjoyed the confrontation but compared him to the UFC CEO Dana White. While speaking on the Inside Fighting show he said, “[I see an] opportunity. I’ll break you, you know. I am feeling like a raw dog, like if you just listen I tore down another lion another gazelle. I’m in the f—ing prime. He wants to be here he’s like Dana. Like he wants to be the man in the arena. You got the money to do anything you want in life but really, like no one knows but they’re so intrigued, and people watching, like what’s its like to be the man in the arena”. 

Stephens’ victory over Alvarez at KnuckleMania 5 stands as a testament to his enduring skill and tenacity, further solidifying his status as a formidable competitor in bare-knuckle boxing. However, at this stage of his career, the former UFC fighter is a free agent and has a tough task ahead of him. Let us take a look at what he has to say about his current situation.

Jeremy Stephens opens up on the problems he is facing currently in his career

What’s next for a fighter when the gloves come off—both figuratively and literally? Jeremy Stephens’ recent announcement about his free-agent status has stirred the MMA community. Fresh from delivering a devastating knockout against Eddie Alvarez at BKFC KnuckleMania 5, ‘Lil Heathen’ opened up in a heartfelt conversation with Ariel Helwani. In their candid discussion, Stephens didn’t just reflect on the fight but delved into the deeper aspects of his journey—life’s challenges, the risks he’s taken, and the sacrifices of a father determined to bet on himself and his future.

“You’re a free agent right now? You don’t have another fight in your deal?” Ariel asked, nudging Stephens to share his current status. “I’m the one who doesn’t have a [BKFC] contract right now, big dog…Yet, I’m still working. I can either go with UFC, that route, bare-knuckle, boxing,” said Stephens, who is currently on a rollercoaster ride. “Welcome to the wild ride, bro. This is life right now… I’m my own man.” What makes this story even more captivating isn’t just the knockout or his free-agent declaration—it’s the risk he took to get there. In a shocking revelation, Stephens revealed that he turned down a lucrative contract from GFL, choosing instead to take a chance on his own path.

This bold move highlights his unwavering belief in himself, even when the financial security of a solid offer was on the table. For Stephens, it was a calculated risk, one that could define the next chapter of his career. What’s next for Jeremy Stephens in his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.