After a 6-year hiatus from the UFC, Jeremy Stephens (29-21-0-1 MMA, 15-18-0-1 UFC) is set to return to the Octagon when the UFC visits his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3rd.
"Lil' Heathen" last fought in the UFC in 2021, when he was submitted by Mateusz Gamrot. After going six fights without a win, the organization decided not to renew his contract.
However, Stephens has stayed busy during his time away from the Octagon. He fought three times in the PFL smartcage in 2022 before making his professional boxing debut against José Aldo in 2023. He also faced fellow UFC veteran Chris Avila inside the squared circle later that year.
Stephens then transitioned to bare-knuckle fighting, where he secured three wins under the BKFC banner. His most recent bout took place at BKFC Knucklemania 5 in January, where he defeated former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez.
Stephens debuted in the Octagon in 2007 and went on to make 34 appearances, earning victories over notable opponents such as Rafael dos Anjos, Renan Barão, and Gilbert Melendez.
Return of the Dragon
Standing across from Stephens in the Octagon on May 3rd will be another fighter making his return to the UFC, Mason Jones (15-2-0-1 MMA, 1-2-0-1 UFC).
The Welshman first signed with the UFC in 2021 after winning world titles in two separate weight classes while fighting under the Cage Warriors banner. After picking up just one win in four appearances, "The Dragon" was released and returned to Cage Warriors, where he went on a scintillating run, defeating four opponents between 2023 and 2024 to secure his return to the big leagues.
UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo takes place at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa on May 3rd, and will be headlined by a five-round bantamweight contest between Cory Sandhagen (17-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figuieredo (24-4-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC).
