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It was announced this week that Jeremy Stephens has parted ways with the UFC. Stephens fought a wealth of top names in the promotion during his lengthy run there, which began all the way back in 2007. He will now begin the next chapter of his career in the PFL.
Stephens explained that he was not released from the roster but instead that his contract had expired. Rather than renewing with the UFC, he will take part in the PFL's 2022 season at lightweight with the goal of claiming the $1 million prize that awaits the winner.
While his time in the UFC may now be over, he has given fans plenty of memories over the years and competed against a true 'murderers' row' of opponents. Seven of the men he faced in the UFC held world championship gold during their own runs with the company.
While the high level of competition meant Stephens ultimately has somewhat of a mixed record, he has also managed to pull off wins against some big names. That includes a decision victory over former bantamweight champion Renan Barão and a knockout of former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos.
With that said, here are the five biggest names Jeremy Stephens fought in the UFC:
Honorable mentions: Renan Barão, Rafael dos Anjos, Frankie Edgar, Calvin Kattar, Zabit Magomedshapirov, Yair Rodríguez
#5. Jeremy Stephens vs. Anthony Pettis
Jeremy Stephens fought Anthony Pettis back at UFC 136 in 2011. At the time, both men were competing at lightweight and the bout was Pettis's second fight for the promotion following his days with the WEC.
The fight went the distance and Pettis ultimately got his hand raised via split decision on the judges' scorecards. The fight began a winning streak for 'Showtime' that eventually led him all the way to claiming the UFC lightweight championship.
Pettis appeared poised to become an MMA superstar when he did capture the title, but his run with the belt was somewhat shortlived with only one successful title defense. He then fought for years in the UFC's featherweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions before signing with the PFL for their 2021 season.
#4. Jeremy Stephens vs. Donald Cerrone
After the defeat to Pettis, the next fight for Jeremy Stephens was against Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone. Both men had lost their previous fights, with Cerrone falling to a decision defeat to Nate Diaz in his previous bout.
Prior to that fight, however, Cerrone had been on a tear, winning six straight, including a finish over current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. He showed his class against Stephens, winning every round in a decisive unanimous decision victory.
Cerrone would eventually make a run and secure a UFC lightweight title bout, although he was ultimately unsuccessful. Since then, he has competed in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions in the UFC and is now scheduled to face Joe Lauzon at the end of April.
#3. Jeremy Stephens vs. Charles Oliveira
Following his run at lightweight, Stephens decided to drop down and compete at featherweight. His fifth fight in the division saw him take on the current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
Oliveira actually missed weight in this one and so the bout was changed to a catchweight at 146.5 pounds. The Brazilian won via unanimous decision but Stephens came on strong in the third frame, which he took on two of the three judges' scorecards.
Oliveira was still some distance from the fighter he is today at this point and continued to have mixed results before he finally put it all together. He is now at the top of his game, winning 10 in a row and the title along the way. He will face Justin Gaethje next at UFC 274 on May 7.
#2. Jeremy Stephens vs. José Aldo
After some more mixed results for Jeremy Stephens, he went on a great run in 2017-2018, winning three fights straight. Each fight on that streak earned him a bonus and, having beaten the likes of Gilbert Melendez and Josh Emmett, he was rewarded with a shot at 'The King of Rio' José Aldo.
Aldo was looking to rebound following consecutive losses at the hands of Max Holloway. The former UFC featherweight champion showed he hand't lost a step, earning a first-round stoppage against Stephens to get back in the win column.
Aldo eventually dropped down to bantamweight and lost to Petr Yan for the title. However, he has since rebounded in a big way, winning three straight at 135 pounds and may now be nearing a second shot at bantamweight gold.
#1. Jeremy Stephens vs. Max Holloway
After losing to Conor McGregor, Max Holloway went on an incredible run, winning 14 straight at 145 pounds and the featherweight title along the way. The eigth fight of that run saw 'Blessed' take on Jeremy Stephens at UFC 194 in December 2015.
The streaking Holloway won via unanimous decision, although Stephens did pick up the first round on one of the judges' scorecards. 'Blessed' went on to win interim gold two fights later before unifying the belts in the fight after that.
Holloway's biggest rivalry in recent times has been with Alexander Volkanovksi. While he lost the first two bouts, he has earned his way back to the belt and will likely get another title shot upon his return from injury.
As for Jeremy Stephens, he is now beginning a new chapter in his career with the PFL. It will be interesting to see how he fairs in his pursuit of the $1million prize. However, he has already cemented his legacy with an incredible run in the UFC.
