Jeremy Stephens is kicking off the UFC 215 main card when he welcomes former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez to the featherweight division.
The fighter had to postpone his wedding to fight at UFC 215 and luckily for him, the future Mrs. Stephens has an amazing heart and understands the opportunity that is in front of him.
“I have a great fiancee,” Stephens said to MMA Junkie. “Not only is she beautiful, she has an amazing heart. She understands this is what I do, and this what I love. These opportunities aren’t going to be knocking 15 years from now.”
Stephens had previously competed at lightweight before moving to the featherweight division, where he holds a record of 5-5-0 since the move.
When Stephens faces Melendez on Saturday Night, the featherweight states that he is fighting somebody who hasn’t evolved as much as the sport has.
“He’s an older lion. He’s been in too many wars,” Stephens said. “He hasn’t really changed and evolved in the sport. Now, he’s looking for other reasons coming down here after a long layoff of (performance-enhancing drug) use. He’s come down here to 145 pounds. It’s a big mistake, especially if you’re facing me.”
UFC 215 takes place on Saturday, September 9 from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with Demetrious Johnson and Ray Borg headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
