Jeremy Stephens (born May 26, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist, bare-knuckle boxer and professional boxer, who competes in the Lightweight division. A professional since 2005, he spent 15 years and competed in 33 bouts in the UFC's Featherweight and Lightweight divisions and also spent time in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Background
Stephens was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 26, 1986, and came from a broken home. When he was eight years old, Stephens parents divorced and he constantly switched between schools while also living in various apartments, shelters, and even in his mother's car before moving to Norwalk, Iowa, with his father, who was granted custody of Stephens when he was in the fifth grade. Growing up, Stephens played baseball, basketball, and also competed in wrestling. Stephens attended Norwalk High School where he was a standout in baseball and wrestling, having returned to wrestling during his senior year. Stephens was introduced to mixed martial arts by his grandfather who had also originally persuaded Stephens to compete in wrestling. While beginning his career in mixed martial arts, Stephens looked up to and later became friends with fellow Des Moines native Josh Neer.