Jeremy Stephens has departed from the UFC after joining the company in 2007 and intends to join the roster of fighters at the Professional Fighting League (PFL).
On Monday, Stephens, who has been involved in some of the most violent UFC fights announced that he will not be resigning from the organization he’s called home for more than fourteen years. With over a decade of UFC experience, he has fought the who’s who in the featherweight and lightweight divisions. News of his departure and signing to the PFL was first announced on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour.
The 35-year-old always brought an exciting style to every one of his Octagon bouts. Stephens fought 33-times under the UFC banner. According to Stephens, he opted not to resign with the promotion after revealing that people and/or employees in the UFC were treating him in an unsatisfactory manner. “Lil Heathen” mentioned his relationship with UFC president Dana White is still in good standing.
Jeremy Stephens Talks Decision To Exit UFC
After news circulated about Jeremy Stephens signing with the PFL, the long-time fighter offered his side of the story to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. Stephens mentioned that overall his desire is to fight more in 2022 and feels the PFL might help him accomplish that goal.
“I want to go where I’m respected, where I’m gonna go in, get an opportunity and a chance and pull myself up from these losses. I can’t do that by fighting once a year and getting iced out. It’s like bro, I fight beast after beast. All I’m looking for is an opportunity and that opportunity came to PFL.” he said.
“You know, I’m thinking end of April. Stephens said. I think there’s something going on. I’d like to say end of April, I don’t have a date or none of that, just stay tuned and thanks for the love.”
During his promotional tenure, Jeremy Stephens headlined three UFC fight cards. The veteran fought Yair Rodriguez, Josh Emmett, and Doo Ho Choi. In the leadup to his final UFC bout, he was unable to win in six fights, including five losses and a no-contest result. While it remains to be seen when exactly he will fight with the PFL, his hope is for late April.
In the end, Jeremy Stephens leaves behind a storied UFC career. With popular names like Anthony Pettis in the PFL, perhaps the long-time fighter will take interest in facing a former UFC champion in his first bout with the promotion.
