Ryan Christensen’s Jeremy Stephens Interview
Posted on | March 23, 2007 | 1 Comment
Interview with Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens
MidwestMMA: Congrats on your first Pro Muay Thai victory at the March 3rd Roundkick card. Why did you choose to compete at this Muay Thai event and how was your training different than for your previous fights?
JS: First I wanna say thanks for everyone who came to the fight to support me and also to help out an old high school friend who’s kid was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.(for more info: http://www.myspace.com/evamarie515) We helped contribute money and gifts to raise some funds for her and her baby, so thanks for those who supported the cause!
As for the training, I just still went to the gym to do the same things. I even still worked on jiu jitsu. I felt like Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts has good people, just as good as strictly boxers and muay thai. We train very hard and we’re confident in believing that hard work pays off. I just stuck with the original plan and had Victor Moreno come in to help me improve my footwork and combos. Thanks to him to for his time and really helping me progress with my stand up.
MidwestMMA:You seem to be the fastest rising and most recognizable MMA competitor in Des Moines. How have things changed for you personally and professionally lately now that MMA is becoming a huge draw?
JS: I think being obedient and allowing god to come in to my life has changed a lot of positive attention to me. I now feel more humbled after losing the first fight to Mickle, and it helped me to train harder in the long run. I believe my hard work, dedication, and loyalty to DMMA is paying off now thanks to good people sponsoring me. I personally want to thank the loyal fans who truly understand where i been in life and how i had a great change in my life which is a blessing. These people give me energy when needed and truly support me to be able to do this… so thanks to anyone who is a fan and thanks for all your support. I love and feed off of it all and it gets me going when I’m fighting. I’d also like to thank Warren County Chiropractic, Xcluzive footwear, Blvd Ink for tattooing, Scotty Body Shop, Page Plus Cellular, Dukes Truck and Tire, Tasty Tacos, A2Z Bailbondsman, A&S Repair, Chris Smith, Cl-One energy drink, 7 Flags, Pimp it Fight Gear, and my parents and family.
MidwestMMA: I hear rumblings about you not competing on the March 17th Greensparks card. Care to shed light on this?
JS: I’d like everyone to know Brian Green and I are good friends, but when it comes to business, we shy away cause when money is involved it brings the worse out of people. But, I do wanna help my friend out by bringing a lot of people to the show… not just him… but other promoters too. I’m a fighter. I’ll fight anyone I have to in order to start living my dream which is to be in the UFC and be a true competitor in the 155 division. As for me and Brian, I’m a big fan of his love him to death and I’m going to try bring my crowd and good people to his show. Brian has put a well rounded card together and its really going to be a great show. So Brian and Sean: good job to you guys and I can’t wait to fight Vern Jefferson. It should be exciting bout.
MidwestMMA: How was you experience at UFC 67 being in Halverson’s corner? Can you see yourself on that large of stage anytime soon?
JS: I have future plans that consist of short term and long term goals. Right now I’m young and inexperinced and could be a lot better. As for the ufc, or any other promotion, I just wanna keep fighting and progress everytime and when the time comes where I get the call, whether it be now or later, I’ll be ready to go. If it doesnt happen for awhile then I’m just going to keep my head up and stick with my tough and knowledgeable training.
MidwestMMA: You seem to bring a unique energy and intensity to your fights. What do you attribute this to?
JS: My energy comes from the crowd. I’m an emotional fighter cause I fight to come with everything I’ve got. Whether I’m tired, hurt, sick, or injured, I can guarantee to anyone one who fights me that I’m going to give you my best and I expect them to come at me with their best. We’re professional. We’re being paid. This is my life, its what I do so I want a good crowd support and for the crowd to be entertained and really enjoy why MMA is the number one growing sport and how I’m truly blessed for this type of sport to come into my life. I love to fight, train, and gain experince cause I’m not the best out there but i wanna fight the best in order to become a better, well rounded fighter. Win or lose, I come to fight and no matter what… its always a good experience for me and keeps me going.
MidwestMMA: Whats next for Jeremy Stephens?
JS: Next, right now, is to keep training and learning, and hopefully those blessings will continue to take my career to the next level wherever or whenever it may be.
MidwestMMA: Thanks for taking your time to answer some questions with MidwestMMA and giving the readers an insight into the mind of one of Des Moines’ best. Is there anything you would like to add?
JS: I want to thank the warriors who came before me– Josh Neer and Victor Moreno, Demi Deeds, John Halverson, and all the other upcoming fighters too for being good people and truly helping me to get better. Without my team I’m nothing, but with the team and fans its been fun. Hopefully we can keep Des Moines rolling on to a new time coming.. Also I’d like to thank God, family, and the fans for being very supportive and to my sponsors for sure, because without these people I wouldnt be able to continue my quest to the UFC starting right here in Des Moines, Iowa and truly staying loyal to my fans and home town. Thank you for all the troops over at war for risking their lives for others. Thats something most people cant do, but these people truly rise and sacrifice themselves for us to be here in America. Thanks des moines and i truly love all your support.
I’d like to thank Jeremy Stephens for taking time out to speak with MidwestMMA about whats going on in his world. At 20 years of age Jeremy is one of the brightest stars in the game. With a unique blend of intensity, skill, respect, and humility, I see nothing but good things in store for “Lil Heathen.” Everyone needs to head over to www.GreenSparks.org for info about the March 17th card where Jeremy will be squaring off with Vern Jefferson.
Also, be sure to visit Jeremy’s myspace at:
www.myspace.com/lilheathenstephens
-Ryan Christensen-
MidwestMMA@gmail.com
515-770-7986