Latest news with #JeremyStephens
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Jones targets UFC rise after triumphant return
Mason Jones says he is "looking to explode" in the UFC's lightweight division following victory over Jeremy Stephens on his return to the in the Octagon for the first time in nearly three years, the Welshman produced a mature and controlled performance to earn a unanimous decision win at UFC Fight Night in Iowa earlier this 30-year-old had been out of UFC action since 2022, and admitted the pressure was on to deliver after a previous stint that ended in frustration."If I had lost to Jeremy, it may have been the end of my career," Jones said. "I built everything back to get another chance. I couldn't afford another slip-up." Jones' previous UFC appearance had ended in defeat to Ludovit Klein, an experience he now sees as a key turning point."I screwed myself last time," he said. "I didn't listen to my coaches. This time, I promised I would."Jones' new-found discipline was evident in the final round of a bruising contest against Stephens. After two frantic rounds that left both fighters bloodied and without gumshields following heavy exchanges, Jones opted for control rather than chaos."It was a bit of a dogfight, but in the third, I listened," he said. "My corner told me I had to take him down and get the job done. That's exactly what I did."Jones says he stuck to the game plan, prioritising his win bonus over the chance of a bonus-worthy finish."I know it's boring for fans, but I'd rather make sure of the win than chase £50k," he said. "That third round probably cost me the bonus, but I'll take the win every time."The fight marked the end of the road for Stephens, a UFC veteran of more than 30 bouts, and Jones was quick to pay tribute."He's a beast and a legend in his own right," he said. "It was an honour to be the one to send him into retirement." Back to business Jones is waiting on news from the UFC having asked to fight again in Abu Dhabi on 26 the lightweight division among the deepest in the sport, he knows patience and performance are key."The queue's always around the block three times at lightweight," he said. "Even if I can skip a few spots, it all depends on who they want to match me with." Jones believes a combination of renewed focus, improved tactical discipline and having a team he trusts mean the Stephens victory could mark the start of a more successful chapter in the having returned to the promotion in style, the Blaenavon product says fans are yet to see his best. "Before the fight, people said I was just a punching bag," he said. "I've shown them that's not true - but I still think I've only shown about 15% of what I can do."The sooner I get back in there and do what I do best - smashing people - the sooner I can really make a statement."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Stephens named Audubon Area's new housing director
Jeremy Stephens will officially leave his post as executive director of Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County on May 30. The organization made the announcement last week that Stephens was stepping down for a new job opportunity but it was unknown at that time where he was landing. Stephens said on Thursday that he accepted Audubon Area's housing director position. 'It's the same field — affordable housing,' Stephens said. 'It's just on the rental side of it, managing the seven multi-unit facilities they have there.' Stephens was hired in November 2021 to become Habitat's second executive director, taking over for Virginia Braswell, who served in the role for 29 years before she retired. 'It was a whirlwind following her around,' Stephens said. Prior to coming to Habitat, Stephens, a 47-year-old Owensboro native, had been the director of operations of the Owensboro Symphony for eight years. Stephens described the transition as going from 'music to mortar,' admitting he had no background in construction when he took over. 'The board took a chance on me and I will forever be grateful for that,' he said. According to Stephens, his goal from the start was to increase Habitat's footprint within Daviess County. 'I think it's why they hired me because in the interview I said I wanted to grow the mission,' Stephens said. '…I know what it's like to struggle for affordable housing. I remember straight out of college with a baby, a family with one income, and what my wife and I went through in those days was hard. 'So when I got the job, I went to the (Habitat) board the very first meeting, and said I want to build more houses per year. I've had their support the whole time.' When Stephens started, there were 141 Habitat houses built within Owensboro-Daviess County. When he leaves, the number of homes will be at 167. Under development is the Carter Community Court, a 10-home Habitat neighborhood that broke ground in April 2024. It currently has two homes under construction and foundations poured for others. Stephens said he had been working on the Carter Community Court project almost since the beginning of his Habitat tenure. Stephens added that he wanted to ensure the project, which was funded through a state grant and a $1 million contribution from Daviess Fiscal Court, would be on sound footing before he left. 'In a perfect scenario, I would have liked to have seen it all of the way through,' Stephens said. '…Walking away from this project knowing that the infrastructure component is complete, houses are being built and can be until they're finished; they have enough materials — already purchased — to build almost 100% of the houses. …It's huge for me knowing that even with me leaving it will still go.' Along with the Habitat homes, Stephens led the effort to build the Ms. Virginia's Education & Training Center, 2900 West Fourth St., that opened in September 2024. Its purpose is to educate both the agency's clients and the general public about the intricacies of home ownership, from building codes to repairs. Stephens said it was being awarded a $100,000 Impact100 grant that made possible the training facility, which is the only one of its kind in the country. 'That's definitely one of the high marks of my career here,' Stephens said. 'First, to win the Impact100 grant is huge; I came from an organization that had never won it and I had written it a lot there.' For Stephens, the decision to leave Habitat wasn't an easy one, calling it 'fulfilling' as he plans to remain on as a consultant until his replacement is found. '…It's not that I'm getting paid more; it's that I'll have more time at home,' said Stephens about a deciding factor to move to Audubon Area. ...I'll be able to call it a day, go home and coach ball teams — be more present for my family.' Habitat is accepting applications for its executive director position until July 1, with the goal to have a new director in place by Sept. 1. And in the future, Habitat will also be looking to develop an even larger area than Carter Community Court after Owensboro Health announced earlier this month the donation of 17 parcels of land near its Parrish Avenue campus. Stephens said it has been the homeowners who put in the sweat equity and the volunteers who have made Habitat special for him. 'I think what I'm going to miss the most are the applicants; it's going to be very easy to cheer from a distance when they get into their homes,' Stephens said. 'But it's going to be difficult not being the person handing them the keys.'
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC on ESPN 67 post-event facts: Jeremy Stephens ties all-time record for octagon losses
UFC on ESPN 67 post-event facts: Jeremy Stephens ties all-time record for octagon losses The UFC made its return to Iowa after more than 25 years on Saturday with UFC on ESPN 67 from Wells Fargo Arena, and in the end, half the card ended in a knockout of submission. One of those stoppages went to headliner Cory Sandhagen (18-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC), who battered Deiveson Figueiredo (24-5-1 MMA, 13-5-1 UFC) until the bantamweight main event ended in a injury TKO in the second round. For more on the numbers to come out of the card, which included some historic feats, check below for MMA Junkie's post-event facts from UFC on ESPN 67. * * * * Event stats The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payout for the event totaled $203,000. Sandhagen, de Ridder, Azamat Bekoev and Quang Le earned $50,000 UFC on ESPN 67 fight-night bonuses. UFC on ESPN 67 drew an announced attendance of 15,627 for a live gate of $2,476,690 Betting favorites went 7-5 on the card. Betting favorites improved to 10-5 in UFC headliners this year. Total fight time for the 12-bout card was 2:13:58. Cory Sandhagen def. Deiveson Figueiredo Sandhagen improved to 5-2 in UFC main events. Sandhagen has earned 11 of his 18 career victories by stoppage. Figueiredo fell to 3-2 since he moved up to the UFC bantamweight division in December 2023. Reinier de Ridder def. Bo Nickal de Ridder (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has earned 18 of his 20 career victories by stoppage. That includes all three of his UFC wins. Bo Nickal (7-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) had his seven-fight winning streak snapped for the first defeat of his career. Daniel Rodriguez def. Santiago Ponzinibbio Daniel Rodriguez (19-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC) has earned 13 of his 19 career victories by stoppage. That includes four of his nine UFC wins. Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-9 MMA, 12-8 UFC) fell to 3-6 in his past nine fights dating back to January 2021. Ponzinibbio has suffered five of his nine career losses by knockout. Montel Jackson def. Daniel Marcos Montel Jackson's (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) six-fight UFC winning streak at bantamweight is the third-longest active streak in the division behind Merab Dvalishvili (12) and Mario Bautista (seven). Daniel Marcos (17-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) had his 18-fight unbeaten streak snapped for the first defeat of his career. Serhiy Sidey def. Cameron Smotherman Serhiy Sidey (12-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has earned both of his UFC victories by decision. Mason Jones def. Jeremy Stephens Mason Jones (16-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) was successful in his return to the UFC for a second stint. He earned his first octagon victory since October 2021. Jones has earned both of his UFC victories by decision. Jeremy Stephens (29-22 MMA, 15-19 UFC) was unsuccessful in his UFC return and is winless in his past seven octagon appearances. Stephens fell to 1-8 with one no contest in his past 10 MMA fights dating back to July 2018. Stephens' 19 UFC losses are tied with Clay Guida for most in company history. Stephens' 13 decision losses in UFC competition are tied with Jim Miller for most in company history. Yana Santos def. Miesha Tate Yana Santos (16-8 MMA, 6-5 UFC) improved to 6-3 since she returned to the UFC women's bantamweight division in October 2018. Santos has earned all six of her UFC victories by decision. Miesha Tate (20-10 MMA, 7-7 UFC) fell to 2-3 since she returned to competition from a nearly five-year layoff in July 2021. Tate fell to 2-5 in her past seven fights dating back to July 2016. Azamat Bekoev def. Ryan Loder Azamat Bekoev (20-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has earned both of his UFC victories by first-round knockout. Ryan Loder (7-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) suffered the first stoppage loss of his career with a knockout defeat. Gillian Robertson def. Marina Rodriguez Gillian Robertson (16-8 MMA, 13-6 UFC) improved to 5-1 since she dropped to the UFC strawweight division in April 2023. Robertson's four-fight UFC winning streak at strawweight is tied for the third-longest active streak in the division behind Zhang Weili (five) and Virna Jandiroba (five) Robertson's 10 stoppage victories in UFC competition are tied with Amanda Nunes for most by any female in company history. Nunes has held sole possession of the record since her last octagon finish in March 2021. Marina Rodriguez (18-6-2 MMA, 7-6-2 UFC) retired from MMA competition after her loss. Rodriguez's three-fight losing skid is the longest of her career. She hasn't earned a victory since September 2023. Rodriguez has suffered both of her career stoppage losses by knockout. Quang Le def. Gaston Bolanos Quang Le (9-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) has earned six of his nine career victories by stoppage. Gaston Bolanos (8-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC) has suffered four of his five career losses by stoppage. Thomas Petersen def. Don'Tale Mayes Don'Tale Mayes' (11-9 MMA, 4-7 UFC) three-fight losing skid is the longest of his career. He hasn't earned a victory since April 2024. Juliana Miller def. Ivana Petrovic Juliana Miller (4-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) earned the first decision victory of her career. Ivana Petrovic (7-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC) has suffered all three of her career losses by decision. UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on X @MJCflipdascript.
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jeremy Stephens explains how unexpected octagon return came together for UFC Des Moines
Jeremy Stephens explains how unexpected octagon return came together for UFC Des Moines Jeremy Stephens is back in the UFC. To many, it's one of the most unexpected events of the year. Stephens (29-21 MMA, 15-18 UFC), a 34-fight veteran of the UFC, re-signed after being out of the promotion for almost four years. Like many older veterans, once they're out of the UFC, it's rare to see them back in the octagon, even with successful winning records. Yet, Stephens finds himself days away from his 35th UFC fight, taking on Mason Jones (15-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) on the main card of UFC on ESPN 67, which takes place this Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Even Stephens, despite the UFC having an event scheduled in his hometown of Des Moines, didn't see re-signing with the UFC as a likely possibility. "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." Stephens had his wife draft a message, which he sent to UFC CEO Dana White, hoping to get a chance to fight where he grew up. Following his TKO win over Eddie Alvarez in BKFC in January, he returned to Des Moines to visit his family. There, he was met with many fans who wanted to see him fight at the hometown UFC Fight Night event. "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.'" Not long after that, Hunter Campbell, chief business officer of the UFC, called Stephens and got all the details squared for 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." As far as the fight itself, Stephens is bringing the same energy that made him a fan-favorite for many years in the UFC. He looks to take it to Jones and get into a war. "I'm going to put him in the f*cking morgue, bring this pain to purpose," Stephens said. "I got goals and delusions. This is just a little gas stop for the ultimate goal and dream."
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC brings back Jeremy Stephens for Des Moines showdown vs. Mason Jones
Jeremy Stephens is back in the UFC. Yes, you read that correctly. The 34-promotional fight veteran has reunited with the UFC for a home city bout May 3 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa against another returning promotional alumnus, Mason Jones. The UFC made the lightweight bout official early Friday after an initial report by Full Send MMA. Stephens (29-21 MMA, 15-8 UFC) has not competed in MMA since November 2022 and has not fought in the UFC since July 2021 when he departed the promotion. Post-UFC, Stephens went 1-2 in PFL before he ventured into the world of both gloved and bareknuckle boxing. After a boxing draw vs. Jose Aldo and a loss to Chris Avila, Stephens signed with BKFC. He defeated Jimmie Rivera and Bobby Taylor, before he beat down Eddie Alvarez in the Knuckle Mania 5 headliner in January. Jones (15-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) proved he deserved another look after his UFC departure in 2022. After he returned to the regional scene, Jones went 4-0 with three knockouts for Cage Warriors en route to a UFC re-onboard. With the addition, the UFC Fight Night lineup for May 3 includes: Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal Mason Jones vs. Jeremy Stephens Mario Bautista vs. Marlon Vera Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez Jeong Yeong Lee vs. Trevor Peek Serhiy Sidey vs. Cameron Smotherman Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos Azamat Bekoev vs. Ryan Loder This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC brings back Jeremy Stephens for Des Moines showdown vs. Mason Jones
