Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens lived up to the hype at BKFC 82.
On Saturday, the King of Violence title was on the line for a second time in the main event of BKFC 82 in Newark, New Jersey.
Perry and Stephens, who have a combined 50 fights in the UFC, were undefeated in BKFC heading into their title fight.
Mike Perry successfully defended his title against Stephens in a vintage performance, knocking down ‘Lil Heathen’ six times across five rounds for the late TKO stoppage.
That’s back-to-back losses for the 39-year-old Jeremy Stephens, as the 35-fight UFC veteran lost his Octagon return against Mason Jones earlier this year, breaking the record for most UFC losses as a result.
Stephens maintains he’s not going anywhere following the brutal setback to Perry.
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Jeremy Stephens releases statement after first BKFC loss to Mike Perry
Stephens entered his second BKFC main event at 3-0 in the Squared Circle, with wins over former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez and recently-retired former top contender Jimmie Rivera.
Prior to the fight, Conor McGregor mentioned the size difference between Perry and Stephens could come into play, as Stephens was a former featherweight and Perry was a former welterweight in UFC.
Despite the odds, Stephens gave Perry his best shot, coming up short in the end.
“Went up against the odds once again and went to war with one of the toughest in the @bareknucklefc game,” Stephens wrote on Instagram.
“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 added.
“Shoutout to @davidfeldmanbkfc. Respect to Perry. Thank you Newark, NJ @prucenter.
“This one wasn’t about records, it was about legacy and testing myself against the best. We did that.
“Grateful for my family, my team, my fans, my sponsors and most of all, God for the strength to rise every time I fall.
Stephens intends to keep fighting at 39 years old.
“We ain’t done… back to our weight, back to business,” said Stephens.
Jeremy Stephens is currently a free agent
Prior to his fight with Mike Perry, Stephens confirmed to Bloody Elbow that he had a one-fight contract with BKFC, as he did with the UFC earlier this year.
Stephens has said he doesn’t think his time in the UFC is over after competing in his 35th fight under the UFC banner back in May.
Though, at this stage of his career, BKFC might be the best bet for Stephens to continue his fighting future.
Perry is one of the BKFC’s best fighters, and the ultra-tough Stephens could find success against other stars at a lighter weight class.
If we know anything about Stephens, it’s that bare knuckle boxing is built for a resilient fighter like him.