Jeremy Stephens, known to fans as “Lil’ Heathen,” is one of the toughest fighters in MMA history. He has built a net worth of around $4 million through hard-hitting fights in the UFC, PFL, and BKFC.
Even after two decades of fighting, he made headlines with a huge bare-knuckle win against Eddie Alvarez and an emotional return to the UFC in Des Moines.
In this article, you will know Jeremy Stephens’ net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Jeremy Stephens’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeremy Dean Stephens |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1986 |
| Age | 39 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 155 lbs (70 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | $4 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | $5 Million+ (Estimated) |
| Wife | Cindy Lopez |
| Instagram Profile | @lilheathenmma |
| Twitter Profile | @LiLHeathenMMA |
Early Career
Jeremy Stephens started his fighting journey very young. He began training in mixed martial arts when he was just 16 years old.
By the time he was 18, he was training full-time to become a professional. He grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, which is a place known for tough wrestlers and fighters.
Before he became famous, Stephens fought in smaller local shows. He was very successful there and won the UGC and MCC Lightweight Championships.
His exciting style of knocking people out got him noticed quickly. He did not fight in college or the Olympics. Instead, he went straight into pro fighting in 2005 to make a name for himself.
Professional Career
Jeremy Stephens has had a very long career in the UFC, PFL, and BKFC. He first joined the UFC in 2007 and spent over 14 years fighting the best guys in the world.
He was known for his heavy hands and won many “Knockout of the Night” bonuses. Some of his biggest wins were against Rafael dos Anjos and Josh Emmett.
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In recent years, Stephens tried new things. He moved to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2022. After that, he found great success in bare-knuckle boxing (BKFC). In January 2025, he won a massive fight against legend Eddie Alvarez by TKO.
This win led to a special one-fight deal to return to the UFC in May 2025. He fought Mason Jones in his hometown of Des Moines but lost by decision. Even with that loss, he proved he is a true warrior who fights anyone, anywhere.
Wife
Jeremy Stephens is a family man outside of the cage. He has been married to Cindy Lopez since September 2017.
Cindy is often seen supporting him at his fights and on social media. She plays a big role in his life and even helped him get his UFC return fight by writing a message to Dana White.
Together, they have three daughters named Mila, Gianna, and a third daughter. The family is very close, but they have also faced hard times.
Sadly, in 2024, Jeremy and Cindy lost a baby. Despite this tragedy, they continue to stay strong together and raise their three girls.
Jeremy Stephens’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jeremy Stephens has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Most of this money comes from his long time in the UFC and his big paydays in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
Fight Purses
| Event / Opponent | Year | Result | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night: Mason Jones | 2025 | Loss | $350,000 (Show Money) |
| BKFC: Eddie Alvarez | 2025 | Win | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| BKFC: Bobby Taylor | 2024 | Win | $200,000 |
| BKFC: Jimmie Rivera | 2023 | Win | $100,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Doo Ho Choi | 2018 | Win | $176,000 (Includes Bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night: Josh Emmett | 2018 | Win | $164,000 (Includes Bonus) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Primary Organization | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | UFC & BKFC | $700,000+ |
| 2024 | BKFC | $200,000 |
| 2023 | BKFC | $100,000 |
| 2022 | PFL | $200,000+ |
| 2018 | UFC | $400,000+ |
| 2016 | UFC | $300,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Number |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 52 |
| Wins | 29 |
| Losses | 22 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Knockout Wins (KO/TKO) | 19 |
| Submission Wins | 2 |
| Decision Wins | 8 |
| Finish Rate | 72% |
FAQs
1. Did Jeremy Stephens win his last UFC fight against Mason Jones?
Jeremy Stephens lost his return fight against Mason Jones on May 3, 2025. He lost by unanimous decision after three hard rounds in his hometown of Des Moines.
2. How much is Jeremy Stephens’ net worth?
Jeremy Stephens has an estimated net worth of around $4 million. He built this wealth through high-paying fights in the UFC and big purses in BKFC.
3. Who is Jeremy Stephens’ wife?
He is married to Cindy Lopez. They have been married since September 2017 and have three daughters together. Cindy is very supportive of his fighting career.
4. What is Jeremy Stephens’ record in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)?
Jeremy Stephens has a perfect undefeated record in BKFC. He is 3-0 in bare-knuckle boxing, including a big win over Eddie Alvarez.
5. How old is Jeremy Stephens?
Jeremy Stephens is 39 years old as of January 2026. He was born on May 26, 1986, and has been fighting professionally for over 20 years.
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