Jeremy Stephens Reports He’s Holding His “Head High Like a Champion”, And he Should…

Jeremy Stephens may have taken another loss at UFC 235 last weekend, but “Lil’ Heathen” is reporting he’s continuing to hold his high, as the rugged featherweight should…

Stephens took on the rising phenom, Zabit Magomedsharipov, at the event, and ended up losing the thrilling fight by unanimous decision. Since then, Stephens posted the statement below via social media:

First off I want to say thanks to my wife, kids and family, coaches, teammates, friends, and fans! I will continue to live as a champion inside and outside of the octagon and surround myself with championship likewise personals. There is no doubt in my mind that I always show up, I bust my ass inside and outside the octagon and bring in my world class A Game and championship mindset. I feel sometimes I suffer these set backs because God knows I’m that type of person who will learn and comeback stronger and do something bigger, greater than myself, and find strength in the struggle. I hold my head high like a champion knowing what my limitless capabilities are. I would like to ask @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby for a quick return in June for Chicago with a game opponent who wants to fight, so I can get back to winning ways! I’m blessed to walk out of the fight happy, healthy, and in great spirit! I’ll be back in the gym after this week and ready to return with something big! Thanks for all the love and support it means the world to me! God bless everyone, and at the end of the day numbers don’t lie people love tuning in to watch human highlight reel knockout artist-Jeremy Stephens

Now, cynics/critics/haters might argue here that since Stephens is now 5-5 in his last 10 bouts, he’s a way out from being a champ. But, Stephens has every right to be proud of his performance at UFC 235, and further, optimistic about his abilities to remain a top tier featherweight.

After all, the feared fighter threatened Zabit more than once in the final frame of their fight, and many people scored the round for Stephens. From what we’ve seen so far out of Magomedsharipov, there are not many fighters out there who can do that to the rising star.

Further, Stephens’ other recent losses have come against the best of the best: Max Holloway, Frankie Edgar, Renato “Moicano” and Jose Aldo. There’s no shame in that.