A Risk Worth Taking
Jeremy Stephens has always been a fighter who is willing to bet on himself, and his recent victory against Eddie Alvarez at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 is a testament to that. The 34-time UFC veteran took one of the biggest risks of his career, breaking Alvarez’s jaw in a dominant performance that left the Philadelphia crowd stunned. This wasn’t just any fight; it was the final bout on Stephens’ deal with the bare-knuckle promotion, and now he’s ready to leverage his success for a lucrative payday. "I took a f*cking huge risk," Stephens told MMA Fighting. "I didn’t sign the GFL contract even though that was a big payday. I could have waited until April. [BKFC] sat me out for a year after Jimmie Rivera, so I’m a free agent." Stephens put his faith in himself, and the results speak for themselves.
Breaking Records and Breaking Jaws
The BKFC KnuckleMania 5 card not only featured a standout main event but also broke the combat sports attendance record previously held by the UFC. Stephens faced off against Philadelphia’s hometown hero, Eddie Alvarez, in a highly anticipated matchup. The week leading up to the event was filled with tension, as Stephens dealt with a hostile Philly crowd and even faced trash talk from UFC veteran Joe Pyfer during the pre-fight press conference. Despite the adversity, Stephens delivered a stellar performance, scoring two knockdowns in the third round before Alvarez’s coaches called the fight off to prevent further damage. It was a highlight-reel performance that not only solidified Stephens’ place in the bare-knuckle world but also set the stage for a significant financial reward.
The Price of Victory
The night after the fight, Alvarez revealed that his jaw had been shattered early in the bout, underscoring the intensity and impact of Stephens’ punches. For Stephens, this victory was more than just a win; it was a statement. "Now you’ve got to pay me," Stephens declared. "I ain’t doing shit for fcking [middle of the road pay] anymore. I ain’t taking fcking pay cuts. It’s a secure bag." Stephens has put in the time and the effort, and he is ready to reap the rewards. "I felt like it was just my time, and I’m glad that I never gave up along the way," he added.
A New Chapter in BKFC
Despite the challenges, Stephens has found a home in BKFC over the past three fights, and he admits he has enjoyed the experience. He even received an unexpected apology from BKFC president David Feldman, who admitted his own misjudgment in backing Alvarez. "My own promoters were against me, betting against me," Stephens said. "David Feldman called me today and was like, ‘we had Eddie, we had the money behind him.’ You paid the wrong man. Now it’s my time." While Stephens is exploring various options, including a potential return to the UFC or a fight against Conor McGregor, he remains open to a new deal with BKFC. "I’ve got opportunities, maybe going to the UFC to fight Conor McGregor there, BKFC because he’s the owner over there. I put myself in this f*cking moment. I risked it all on me. I manifested this. I turned a delusion into reality," he stated.
Maintaining Good Relations
Despite the high stakes and the intensity of the fight, Stephens has maintained a positive relationship with BKFC. "I’ve had actually great conversations with David Feldman," he said. "He is a man of his word. I would say my only thing with David Feldman is more communication. That’s it. More communication. We can definitely match out the sides. I hope he knows that I’m not just here for the checks. I’m getting paid pretty good. I’m not just here for the checks. I’m here for bigger opportunities. I want to make these f*cking million dollar paydays so that I can just rest well. I’ve earned that." Stephens’ commitment to the sport and his desire to grow within it are evident, and he hopes that BKFC will recognize his value and offer a new, lucrative contract.
A Fighter’s Journey
For Jeremy Stephens, the journey to this moment has been a mix of perseverance, resilience, and calculated risk. He has faced adversity both inside and outside the ring, but his recent victory has put him in a position to command the respect and compensation he deserves. Whether he stays with BKFC or ventures into new territories, Stephens is determined to capitalize on his success and secure a bright future for himself and his family. "Me and Feldman are cool. We don’t have a contract right now. I love working with them. I love the BKFC as you can tell. I’m more primal. This is my f*cking sport," he concluded. For Jeremy Stephens, the future is bright, and he is ready to embrace it with both fists.
