How Jeremy Stephens’ Hometown UFC Return Became a Reality

Jeremy Stephens making his return to the UFC is certainly one of the more unexpected events in the world of MMA this year.

Stephens (29-21 MMA, 15-18 UFC) will make his 35th walk to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC on ESPN 67, which takes place in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa.

“Lil’ Heathen” last fought in the UFC nearly four years ago, before parting ways with the organization. Since then, he has competed multiple times in the PFL and later transitioned into bare-knuckle fighting.

When Stephens heard the UFC would be coming to the town where he grew up, he wasn’t sure whether he should reach out to the organization. However, he revealed this week that it was his wife who made the first move on his behalf.

"My wife was like, 'Hey, you should hit up Dana,' and I was like, 'Nah, I'm kind of an older guy, and they want these young guys,'" Stephens said at Wednesday's UFC on ESPN 67 media day. "I was just kind of in my nervous thoughts – everybody goes there. I was like, 'Oh, I don't know if I deserve it,' but my wife, God bless her, she was just really on it."

With some guidance from his wife, Stephens penned a message to UFC President Dana White in the hope of securing a place on this weekend's card. Shortly after he picked up his third consecutive win under the BKFC banner by beating former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in January, White responded with promising news.

"The day that I left on Sunday morning, I woke up at like 4:30 in the morning and I got a message at like one or two in the morning – you know how Dana is, he's up, and maybe he's throwing like five grand on black – he was like, 'Hey, I've been trying to get a hold of you, great fight (against Eddie Alvarez). I'll have Hunter (Campbell) reach out to you.'"

Sure enough, Hunter Campbell contacted Stephens shortly afterwards and a deal was struck for the veteran to make his return.

"I told my wife and gave her a big hug," Stephens said recalling the moment he got off the phone with Campbell. "I was almost in tears because I know I made it happen with my work, but if it wasn't for my wife, I know I wouldn't be sitting here today."