Jeremy Stephens is headed for his second main event of 2018, working to make a stamp in the Featherweight division
After defeating Dooho Choi in January, Stephens had a quick turnaround and will accomplish the rare feat of headlining UFC events in back-to-back months. When speaking to Fightful.com's James Lynch recently, Stephens revealed how he found out he would be in the spot.
"I was sitting back enjoying some family time and got a call from Dana. He said 'I've got a great opportunity for you here, another main event' and I said 'say no more, count me in.' Didn't even matter who the opponent was. Back to back fights, main events, came out of the fight healthy, three days later I was back in training. Josh Emmett, here we do," said Stephens.
According to Stephens himself, fighting so soon after his last bout is just something that fits his profile.
"That's great and all, but that's just me. I like to fight and fight frequently. I like to be active, I'm young and healthy. You have to take advantage of the opportunities. I've been begging the UFC and Sean Shelby to get me to fight at least three times a year," said Stephens.
Ahead of his main event run, Stephens gained notoriety for all the wrong reasons, when he challenged now UFC Lightweight champion Conor McGregor, who replied with "who the f--- is that guy?" The spot became a running joke and Stephens struggled, losing two straight fights after that. Stephens says despite the backlash, he doesn't regret it.
"Not at all. What I spoke was the truth. I feel like I'm a great stylistic matchup for McGregor. If that fight ever comes to play out, then it does. What's done is done. I can't change the past, and I can't predict the future. All I can do is whoop Josh Emmett's ass. I'm living in the now. I like the Irish fans. I think they're some of the best fans in the world. I don't care about Conor McGregor, I'm not gonna comment on him anymore," said Stephens.
In the full interview, Jeremy Stephens (27-14) discusses his upcoming fight against Josh Emmett (13-1) at UFC on FOX 28 on Feb. 24.Jeremy also talks about watching Superbowl 52, defeating Doo Ho Choi, his training camp and his press conference trash talk with Conor McGregor in 2016.
