There aren’t many athletes who finally hit their stride and begin performing to their full potential 10 years into their careers. In most cases, you have a pretty strong indication of who they are, what they’re capable of and where their ceiling rests within three or four years; seven max.
But when you start young and your sport of choice is the fight game, it can take a few extra years before you figure everything out. If you’re stubborn and keep getting in your own way, it can take a few more.
More than 13 years into his professional career and staring down his 43rd professional fight – 28 of which have already come inside the UFC cage – Jeremy Stephens is performing at his absolute best.