Sherdog’s Top 10: UFC Ironmen

6. Jeremy Stephens

After making his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut on his 21st birthday, Stephens practically grew up inside the Octagon. There, he has spent five hours, one minute and 53 seconds throwing his heavy hands.

Stephens has experienced success as a lightweight and featherweight as a member of the UFC roster, earning three “Fight of the Night” and three “Knockout of the Night” bonuses. He trains out of a star-studded Alliance MMA camp that includes former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, current Bellator MMA light heavyweight titleholder Phil Davis and reigning One Championship heavyweight titlist Brandon Vera. Stephens has secured 16 of his 25 career victories by knockout. Never has his punching power been more evident than at UFC 91 on Nov. 15, 2008: In the shadow of the Brock Lesnar-Randy Couture main event, he brought down future lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos with a crushing uppercut that makes the rounds on highlight reels to this day. While Stephens has fallen short in high-profile battles with Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson, Max Holloway, Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis, he has kept himself on the UFC radar with victories over Renan Barao, Dennis Bermudez and Darren Elkins.

“Lil’ Heathen” last appeared at UFC 205 on Nov. 12, when he dropped a three-round unanimous decision to Edgar at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Continue Reading » Number 5