From top to bottom, this past Saturday’s UFC 235 event was a memorable one with great names, fights, and finishes from the opening bell.

In the preliminary card’s featured attraction, we saw the return of ‘Lil Heathen’ Jeremy Stephens as he made his 30th career walk to the UFC Octagon.

Standing in his way was the rising Russian featherweight, Zabit Magomedsharipov who was looking to pick up the biggest win of his career by knocking off the No. 6 ranked Stephens.

Using a very tactical and smart approach, Magomedsharipov would use his tricky footwork and movement to continuously make Stephens guess while he picked his shots.

In the end, the Russian would outscore Stephens two round to one en route to a unanimous decision win.

On Monday, the 32-year old UFC vet broke his silence.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BumVEuOF0P8/

“First off I want to say thanks to my wife, kids and family, coaches, teammates, friends, and fans! I will continue to live as a champion inside and outside of the octagon and surround myself with championship likewise personals. There is no doubt in my mind that I always show up, I bust my ass inside and outside the octagon and bring in my world class A Game and championship mindset. I feel sometimes I suffer these set backs because God knows I’m that type of person who will learn and comeback stronger and do something bigger, greater than myself, and find strength in the struggle. I hold my head high like a champion knowing what my limitless capabilities are. I would like to ask @ufc@danawhite@seanshelby for a quick return in June for Chicago with a game opponent who wants to fight, so I can get back to winning ways! I’m blessed to walk out of the fight happy, healthy, and in great spirit! I’ll be back in the gym after this week and ready to return with something big! Thanks for all the love and support it means the world to me! God bless everyone, and at the end of the day numbers don’t lie people love tuning in to watch human highlight reel knockout artist-Jeremy Stephens👊🏽” Stephens posted on Instagram.

In his statement, Jeremy Stephens mentions Chicago for his potential quick turnaround. That would be for UFC 238 on June 8.

If Stephens gets his wish, who would you like to see him matched with next?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/4/2019