Long-time UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens’ near 15-year run in the UFC has finally come to an end after the promotion opted not to renew his contract.
The news comes at a time when the 35-year-old had gone six fights without a win in the promotion, spanning a three-and-a-half year period.
During that period he had continued to be matched up with high-level opposition and his losses came against the likes of Jose Aldo, Zabit Magomedsharipov, Yair Rodriguez, Calvin Kattar and most recently Mateusz Gamrot.
Stephens bows out with an overall 15-18 (+1nc) record in the promotion, leaving him placed No.4 on the all-time list for most bouts in the UFC, as well as being No.2 on the ‘Most Knockdowns In UFC History’ category behind Anderson Silva.
Between his runs at featherweight and lightweight Stephens racked up many big wins over notable names such as Rafael dos Anjos, Gilbert Melendez, Renan Barao, Doo Ho Choi, Josh Emett and Sam Stout to name but a few.
The fact that Stephens has been KO’d, TKO’d and submitted during his latest losing streak is a cause for concern, but nonetheless he’s a well known veteran and as such should have little trouble finding a home with another leading promotion if he chooses to continue on after leaving the UFC.