Jeremy Stephens made his Featherweight debut against Estevan Payan in the first fight of the UFC 160 Facebook prelims.
Stephens took the center of the Octagon from the opening bell. Both fighters trying to find their range but not landing anything significant before Stephens lands a low blow and the action is stopped. After the restart, Stephens eats a big right before taking Payan. down. Estevan grabbed a guillotine but it went no where. Stephens scrambled out of an armbar attempt and bloodied Payan up against the cage.
Payan landed some solid shots to start out the second round, but gave up another takedown. Elbows from guard reopen the cut on Payan’s forehead and the blood flowing. Stephens took the back looking for the rear naked choke. Pools of blood formed at Payan’s knees as he defended the submission attempt. Payan survived the round.
Only a few seconds into the final round and blood is already streaming from Payan’s face. Head kick lands from Stephens before he scored another takedown that lead to back control. More blood, a lot of blood. Seriously, you need to watch this to see how bloody this fight was. Stephens got Payan down again and worked elbows from half guard until the final bell.
Jeremy Stephens beat Estevan Payan by unanimous decision (30-26 x2, 30-27).