UFC Des Moines: A Nostalgic Knockout Night Packed with Controversy—Will Jeremy Stephens Steal the Show?
Step into the Octagon for a night of pure adrenaline, nostalgia, and jaw-dropping drama! Spring is in full swing, and the UFC is turning up the heat with a Fight Night extravaganza that’s got everyone buzzing. On May 3, 2025, the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, will transform into a battleground for some of the most electrifying fighters in MMA history. And guess who’s back to light up the night? None other than Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens, the 34-fight UFC veteran, making a shocking return to the Octagon after a wild detour through bare-knuckle boxing. But hold onto your gloves—this comeback is stirring up more controversy than a referee’s bad call, and we’re here to break it all down with a dose of nostalgia, thrill, and a sprinkle of spicy debate.
Jeremy Stephens’ Explosive Homecoming: Hometown Hero or Has-Been?
Flashback to the early 2000s—this is the kind of chaos that made UFC a global phenomenon! Jeremy Stephens, the pride of Des Moines, is back in the UFC after a dramatic exit in July 2021, and he’s bringing all the fireworks to his hometown. With a UFC record of 15-8 and a pro tally of 29-21, Stephens is no stranger to the spotlight, but his return is anything but ordinary. After a rocky 1-2 stint in the PFL and a detour into the brutal world of gloved and bare-knuckle boxing, Stephens has been on a tear, going undefeated in BKFC with wins over Jimmie Rivera, Bobby Taylor, and a headline-grabbing beatdown of former UFC champ Eddie Alvarez at Knuckle Mania 5.
Now, he’s stepping back into the Octagon to face off against Mason Jones, another UFC alum who’s clawed his way back into the big leagues. But here’s where the controversy kicks in—Stephens hasn’t won a UFC fight since 2018, and some fans are crying foul, claiming the UFC is scraping the barrel by bringing back a fighter who’s been out of the MMA game since November 2022. Is this a nostalgic homecoming for a fan-favorite brawler, or a desperate move by the UFC to sell tickets in a smaller market? The debate is raging hotter than a third-round flurry, with posts on X calling Stephens’ return everything from “a legendary comeback” to “a sign the UFC is on a downward spiral.” Love him or hate him, one thing’s for sure—Stephens knows how to put on a show, and Des Moines is ready to roar for their hometown hero.
Mason Jones’ Redemption Arc: The Welsh Dragon’s Second Chance
From regional domination to UFC redemption—this is the kind of underdog story that fuels fight nights! Mason Jones, the Welsh sensation with a 15-2 record, is no stranger to the grind. After a rocky 1-2 run in his first UFC stint, Jones was cut loose in 2022, but he didn’t waste a second licking his wounds. Instead, he returned to Cage Warriors, racking up an impressive 4-0 streak with three knockouts, proving he’s got the fire to compete at the highest level. Now, he’s back in the UFC, ready to make a statement against Stephens in a lightweight clash that’s dripping with stakes.
But here’s the controversial twist—some fans are questioning whether Jones deserves this spotlight over other rising stars, while others argue he’s the perfect opponent to test Stephens’ comeback. Will Jones’ technical prowess and knockout power ground Stephens’ wild brawling style, or will the veteran’s experience and hometown energy prove too much? This fight is a classic clash of generations, and it’s got all the makings of a Fight Night highlight reel.
The Star-Studded Lineup: A Throwback to UFC’s Golden Era
This card is stacked like a ’90s pay-per-view—nostalgia meets modern mayhem! The UFC Fight Night on May 3 isn’t just about Stephens’ return—it’s a full-on assault of high-stakes matchups that’ll have you glued to your screen. Headlining the night is a bantamweight blockbuster between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo, a fight with serious title implications that’s got fans buzzing about who’s next in line for the belt. And don’t sleep on the co-main event, where rising star Bo Nickal takes on former ONE Championship champ Reinier de Ridder in a middleweight showdown that’s already sparking debates about Nickal’s hype train.
The undercard is just as electric, with throwback names like Marlon Vera, Miesha Tate, and Santiago Ponzinibbio mixing it up with hungry contenders like Mario Bautista, Yana Santos, and Daniel Rodriguez. From bantamweight brawls to featherweight firefights, this lineup is a nostalgic nod to the UFC’s golden era, when every fight felt like a main event. But here’s the controversial question—does stacking a Fight Night card with so many big names dilute the prestige of pay-per-view events, or is this the kind of fan-first move the UFC needs to keep the momentum going?
Why This Night Matters—and Why You Should Care
This isn’t just a fight—it’s a time machine to the UFC’s wild, untamed roots! Whether you’re a longtime fan who remembers Stephens’ early UFC days or a newbie jumping on the hype train, this Fight Night is the perfect blend of nostalgia, thrill, and controversy. For Des Moines, it’s a historic moment—the UFC’s first trip to the city and a chance to see a local legend fight on home soil. For Stephens, it’s a shot at redemption, a chance to prove the doubters wrong, and maybe even a final run at UFC glory. And for Jones, it’s a golden opportunity to cement his name among the lightweight elite.
So, grab your crew, fire up the group chat, and get ready for a night of heart-pounding action that’ll have you reminiscing about the good ol’ days while cheering for the future of the sport. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $218, but trust us—they’ll go faster than a Stephens knockout. And if you can’t make it to Wells Fargo Arena, tune in on ESPN+ at 6:00 PM ET for a night of fights you won’t soon forget. Want to join the debate? Hit up the MMA Junkie Instagram or YouTube channel to sound off on Stephens’ return, Jones’ comeback, and all the drama in between.
