Who The F**k Is That Guy? The Shocking New Chapter In Conor McGregor's Most Iconic Rivalry
The phrase "Who the f* is that guy?" is arguably one of the most quotable and iconic moments of trash talk in combat sports history, instantly cementing itself in the meme hall of fame. This infamous line was delivered by the "Notorious" Conor McGregor during a heated press conference, a moment that perfectly encapsulated his persona as the sport's biggest star. The man on the receiving end, UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens, has since become inextricably linked to the quote, but the story is far from over—in fact, as of December 2025**, the rivalry has taken a stunning, high-stakes turn that few predicted.
The original moment occurred years ago, but the recent developments involving Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and a surprise UFC contract announcement have brought the question—and the man—back into the spotlight with a vengeance. This deep dive uncovers the full context of the legendary line, the career of the fighter who inspired it, and the shocking new chapter that could finally lead to a confrontation between two of the hardest hitters in the game.
The Man Behind the Meme: Jeremy "Lil' Heathen" Stephens Biography
While Conor McGregor's star power ensures the phrase is forever his, the identity of the fighter who prompted the legendary line is essential to the story. Jeremy Stephens, known for his aggressive, heavy-handed style and long tenure in the UFC, is the man who stepped into the firing line.
Here is a complete biographical profile for Jeremy Dean Stephens:
- Full Name: Jeremy Dean Stephens
- Nickname: "Lil' Heathen"
- Born: May 25 or 26, 1986
- Age: 39 (as of late 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (175 cm)
- Primary Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs), Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Professional Debut: 2005
- Notable Record: Tied the official UFC record for most losses (19) but also holds the record for the most knockout losses (8).
The Iconic UFC 205 Press Conference Moment (2016)
The infamous exchange took place on November 10, 2016, during the pre-fight press conference for UFC 205, the promotion’s historic debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Conor McGregor was preparing for his Lightweight title fight against Eddie Alvarez, aiming to become the UFC's first-ever simultaneous two-division champion.
During the Q&A session, a reporter asked McGregor which fighter on the dais presented the toughest challenge. Before McGregor could answer, Jeremy Stephens—who was scheduled to fight Frankie Edgar on the undercard—interjected.
Stephens, known for his knockout power, seized the moment, yelling: "Right here! The hardest-hitting 145-pounder! When I knock people out, they don't f***ing move!"
McGregor, without missing a beat, leaned into the microphone, scanned the stage with mock bewilderment, and delivered the line that would echo for a decade: "Who the fook is that guy?" The room erupted in laughter, and the phrase instantly became a cultural phenomenon, overshadowing Stephens' own attempt at self-promotion.
The Aftermath: A Career Defined by a Quote
For Jeremy Stephens, the moment became a double-edged sword. While it gave him an unexpected level of mainstream notoriety, it also defined his subsequent career, with fans and commentators constantly referencing the quote. Unfortunately, his performance in the UFC following the incident was challenging. After the UFC 205 event, Stephens went on a difficult run, including a 0-7-1 streak at one point, eventually leading to his departure from the UFC roster.
The Shocking 2025 Twist: Bare-Knuckle Boxing and a Renewed Rivalry
The story of "Who the fook is that guy?" has received a massive, fresh update in the current combat sports landscape. After leaving the UFC, Jeremy Stephens successfully transitioned to the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing, competing in the Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). He has found success there, extending his BKFC record to 2-0 with a recent victory over former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at BKFC: KnuckleMania 5.
This is where the plot thickens: Conor McGregor is not just a fighter; he is also a part-owner and investor in the BKFC promotion.
The Callout and The Tease
Following his impressive win at KnuckleMania 5, Stephens reignited the rivalry that began in 2016. In a fiery post-fight speech, "Lil' Heathen" directly called out McGregor, challenging him to a bare-knuckle grudge match.
In response, McGregor—who is currently scheduled for a long-anticipated UFC return against Michael Chandler—teased the possibility of a fight with Stephens under the BKFC banner, saying he was interested in a bare-knuckle showdown. This is a significant development, as it moves the iconic trash talk from a verbal jab to a potential, high-profile physical confrontation.
The potential fight offers a compelling narrative: the chance for Jeremy Stephens to finally answer the question "Who the fook is that guy?" by standing across from the man who mocked him, but this time, in the unforgiving environment of bare-knuckle boxing, where Stephens has proven his heavy hands are most effective.
A Potential UFC Return for Stephens?
Adding another layer of complexity to the narrative is the surprising news of a potential UFC return for Jeremy Stephens. Reports in late 2024 indicated that the veteran fighter, after nearly four years away, was booked for an unexpected return to the Octagon in March 2025. This move suggests that while Stephens is excelling in BKFC, the lure of the UFC—and perhaps the chance to settle old scores in the promotion where the rivalry began—remains strong.
Whether the long-awaited clash between McGregor and Stephens happens in the UFC or the BKFC, the "Who the f*** is that guy?" line has evolved from a simple piece of trash talk into the foundation of a legitimate, years-long rivalry that is now reaching its boiling point. The question is no longer who he is, but whether he can finally silence the man who asked it.
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