I think it speaks to the popularity of Conor McGregor when more mixed martial arts (MMA) fans know Jeremy Stephens for his “Notorious” pipe bomb at this press conference than his 14 years in combat sports.
But that’s okay, because “Lil’ Heathen” isn’t here to be famous.
He just wants to beat your ass, get paid, and go home. So you can forget about all the hype surrounding his UFC Fight Night 126 main event against DooHo Choi this Sunday night in St. Louis, Missouri, which takes place on FOX Sports 1.
“I’m gonna take all his hopes and dreams and I’m gonna crush it,” Stephens said. “DooHo Choi’s biggest weakness is his experience. Everything he’s working for, I’m gonna take. I’m not in it to be famous. I’m here to beat your ass, collect checks, go home and take care of my family. There’s also levels to this shit. I’ll do what I want, when I want, how I want to do it. It’s my night.”
It was also his night at UFC 215 back in September, when he turned away former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez.
Stephens (26-14) is widely-known for being a tough out at 145 pounds, but hasn’t won back-to-back fights in over three years across a span of eight bouts. Choi (14-2) saw his 12-fight win streak go up in smoke in a crazy war (watch it) against Cub Swanson at UFC 206.
Five rounds to get it done … who ya’ got?