UFC Des Moines: Jeremy Stephens Returns to the UFC Against Mason Jones

The MMA world has just received a significant boost with the announcement that Jeremy Stephens, a veteran fighter with 34 promotional bouts under his belt, is returning to the UFC. Stephens, known for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power, will face another returning UFC alumnus, Mason Jones, in a lightweight bout scheduled for May 3 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. This matchup not only marks Stephens’ return to the UFC but also highlights the resurgence of Jones, who has been making waves in the regional MMA scene.

What a twist.

Jeremy steals the show at BKFC in Philly, and then – shockingly, at least to me – reveals that’s the last fight on his deal.

Can’t let that happen. Big mistake.

UFC goes to Iowa, Stephens’ home state. He’s back.

BKFC had something special with him. And now… pic.twitter.com/WlmfoLtNWM

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 13, 2025

Background and Career Highlights

Jeremy Stephens, with a record of 29-21 in MMA and 15-8 in the UFC, has been a staple in the lightweight division for many years. His departure from the UFC in July 2021 led to a stint in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he managed a 1-2 record. Following his time in the PFL, Stephens explored both gloved and bare-knuckle boxing. Notably, he drew with former UFC champion Jose Aldo in a boxing match and suffered a loss to Chris Avila. Stephens then signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he enjoyed success, defeating Jimmie Rivera, Bobby Taylor, and most recently, Eddie Alvarez in the Knuckle Mania 5 headliner in January.

Jeremy Stephens TKOs Eddie Alvarez in Philly 😳 #KnuckleManiaV

(via @bareknucklefc, @daznsport) pic.twitter.com/QktHvKn1hz

— Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) January 26, 2025

Mason Jones, on the other hand, boasts a record of 15-2 in MMA, with a previous UFC stint that saw him go 1-2. After leaving the UFC in 2022, Jones returned to the regional scene, competing for Cage Warriors. His impressive run of 4-0, including three knockouts, caught the attention of the UFC, leading to his re-signing. This upcoming bout against Stephens will be a significant test for Jones, as he looks to prove himself once again in the world’s premier MMA organization.

The return of Jeremy Stephens to the UFC is a significant event for fans, especially given his history of exciting fights. Stephens’ ability to finish fights with his powerful striking makes him a fan favorite, and his matchup against Mason Jones promises to be an electrifying encounter. Jones, with his recent success in Cage Warriors, will be looking to capitalize on his momentum and make a strong impression in his second stint with the UFC.

The UFC Fight Night event on May 3 will be a homecoming of sorts for Stephens, as he fights in his home city of Des Moines. The Wells Fargo Arena is expected to be filled with enthusiastic fans eager to see Stephens back in action. This bout not only marks a new chapter in Stephens’ career but also serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of MMA, where fighters can transition between promotions and disciplines, always seeking new challenges and opportunities.

Could Jeremy Stephens be around for the long haul?

As the fight approaches, both Stephens and Jones will be focused on preparing for what promises to be a thrilling contest. For Stephens, this bout is an opportunity to reestablish himself in the UFC and potentially climb the lightweight rankings once again. His experience and knockout power will undoubtedly make him a formidable opponent for Jones.

Mason Jones, meanwhile, will be looking to build on his recent success. His performances in Cage Warriors have shown that he has the skills and aggression needed to compete at the highest level. A win against a veteran like Stephens would be a significant statement, demonstrating that Jones is ready to make a lasting impact in the UFC.

The matchup between Jeremy Stephens and Mason Jones on May 3 will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the UFC Fight Night event in Des Moines. With both fighters having a lot to prove, fans can expect an intense and action-packed fight that will leave a lasting impression on the lightweight division. As the MMA world continues to evolve, bouts like this remind us of the excitement and unpredictability that make the sport so captivating. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Stephens or a new supporter of Jones, this fight is sure to deliver on its promise of high-energy action and drama.