Jeremy Stephens explains how a mission was accomplished despite BKFC 82 loss
Jeremy Stephens has no excuses for his loss to Mike Perry.
On Saturday at BKFC 82, Stephens lost a grueling unanimous decision that left him swollen, disfigured, and without the King of Violence title. The defeat did not deter him, as he wrote Sunday on Instagram.
“Went up against the odds once again and went to war with one of the toughest in the @bareknucklefc game,” Stephens said. “… We had our differences and we settled it like real dogs… no gloves, no excuses, just heart. That’s what this sport’s about.”
Stephens, 39, has competed in professional fighting for over 20 years. His pro MMA debut came in 2005 and he debuted in the UFC in 2007. He’s competed at the highest of levels since then and almost has as many losses as he does wins. For him, it’s less about record and more about legacy – and retirement isn’t on his mind.
“This one wasn’t about records, it was about legacy and testing myself against the best. We did that,” Stephens said. “Grateful for my family, my team, my fans, my sponsors and most of all, God for the strength to rise every time I fall. We ain’t done … back to our weight, back to business.”
It’s unclear what Stephens’ next move will be. He’s diversified his violence portfolio in recent years, competing in a wide range of high-profile events from the UFC to PFL to BKFC to Gamebred Boxing and a Jake Paul undercard.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jeremy Stephens releases statement after BKFC 82 loss
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