The Ultimate Unmasking: 5 Shocking Facts About The Guy Behind Conor McGregor's Viral 'Who The F*** Is That Guy?' Meme
The phrase "Who the f*** is that guy?" is one of the most iconic, brutal, and universally applied one-liners in modern internet and sports history. As of December 2025, this viral quip continues to be used daily across social media to dismiss or question the relevance of anyone who steps out of line, but its origin is a specific, unforgettable moment of pure combat sports theater.
The man on the receiving end of this legendary verbal knockout is American professional fighter Jeremy Stephens, a veteran known for his heavy hands and gritty, relentless style. While the meme made him a punchline to millions, his career has evolved significantly since that 2016 press conference, moving from the UFC octagon to the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing and beyond. This is the definitive, up-to-date story of the man who became a meme.
Jeremy Stephens: Biography and Career Profile (The Guy Who Became a Legend)
Jeremy Dean Stephens, nicknamed "Lil' Heathen," is a combat sports veteran with a career spanning two decades. His profile is a testament to longevity and a willingness to fight anyone, anywhere. While the infamous quote is his most recognized moment for the casual fan, his professional record is what defines him.
- Full Name: Jeremy Dean Stephens
- Nickname: Lil' Heathen
- Date of Birth: May 26, 1986
- Place of Birth: Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 39 years old
- Primary Discipline: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Bare-Knuckle Boxing (BKFC)
- UFC Career: 2007–2021 (Held the record for most UFC fights without a title shot)
- Current Promotion: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and Global Fight League (GFL)
- Net Worth (Estimated 2025): Approximately $4 million, bolstered by his move to the lucrative BKFC circuit.
- Notable Fights: Wins over Renan Barão, Gilbert Melendez, and Josh Emmett.
Stephens began his professional MMA journey in 2005, eventually joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2007. He competed across the Lightweight and Featherweight divisions, establishing a reputation as a heavy hitter with a high finish rate. His career is marked by a non-stop, aggressive fighting style that earned him multiple "Fight of the Night" bonuses.
The Infamous UFC 205 Press Conference Moment
The moment that birthed a global meme occurred on November 10, 2016, during the UFC 205 pre-fight press conference in New York City. The event was historic, headlined by the rivalry between Eddie Alvarez and the then-Featherweight Champion, Conor McGregor.
The Full Context of the Confrontation
The press conference was already chaotic, with McGregor dominating the mic. When a reporter asked which fighter on the stage posed the biggest threat to McGregor, Stephens—who was not fighting McGregor—interrupted the conversation to inject himself into the spotlight.
Stephens grabbed the microphone and declared, "Right here's the hardest hitting 155-pounder, right here. When I knock people out, they don't f***ing move!" He was attempting to challenge McGregor and elevate his own profile on the biggest stage of his career.
McGregor, famous for his quick wit and verbal assaults, paused, looked over at Stephens with a look of genuine confusion and theatrical disdain, and delivered the now-legendary line: "Who the fook is that guy?" The crowd erupted in laughter, and the moment immediately went viral, forever cementing Stephens as the unintended star of the quip.
The line was effective because it was a perfect blend of genuine insult and showmanship, completely undermining Stephens' attempt at a serious challenge. It became a cultural shorthand for irrelevance and disrespect, transcending the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and becoming a universal reaction meme.
From UFC Octagon to BKFC Ring: Jeremy Stephens' Current Status (2025 Updates)
Despite the humiliation of the viral moment, Jeremy Stephens’ career has seen a significant, and lucrative, revitalization in the mid-2020s. His journey post-UFC has taken him into the brutal, high-stakes world of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and new MMA ventures.
The BKFC Chapter: Bare-Knuckle Boxing
After his final UFC fight in 2021, Stephens transitioned to the BKFC, where his heavy hands are perfectly suited for the sport. This move allowed him to reset his career and secure substantial paydays. His time in the BKFC has been a major talking point, proving he is still a major draw in combat sports.
In a high-profile BKFC match, Stephens faced fellow former UFC star 'Platinum' Mike Perry. While he lost the bout, the event generated massive buzz and showcased his enduring toughness. As of late 2024, Stephens has continued to compete in the BKFC, with his profile listing a scheduled fight against Mike Perry on October 4, 2025, indicating his continued activity in the bare-knuckle scene.
The Global Fight League and Mason Jones
Showing his commitment to being an active, multi-sport combatant, Stephens also made headlines for his return to traditional MMA. In December 2024, it was announced that "Lil' Heathen" had signed with the new Global Fight League (GFL).
Adding to his busy 2025 schedule, reports indicate Stephens had a May 3, 2025, fight against Mason Jones at a UFC Fight Night event, further proving his willingness to take on new challenges and top-tier competition. This aggressive schedule, spanning both bare-knuckle and MMA, demonstrates that the man behind the meme is anything but irrelevant.
The Lasting Legacy of a Pop Culture Quip
The "Who the f*** is that guy?" quote is more than just a fight promotion soundbite; it’s a permanent fixture in the internet's lexicon. It is a powerful example of how a single, unscripted moment can create a lasting cultural phenomenon.
A Meme for Every Occasion
The phrase is regularly used in comments, threads, and reaction GIFs across platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. It is the go-to line for expressing surprise at an unknown person's sudden appearance in the news, on a stage, or in a debate. It has been referenced in discussions about everything from the NFL and NBA to video game communities and political commentary.
For Jeremy Stephens, the meme is a double-edged sword. It brought him notoriety and ensured his name is known far beyond the dedicated MMA fanbase. However, it also consistently overshadows his actual accomplishments, which include a 29-21-0 professional MMA record and a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters of his generation. The irony is that the man who was asked, "Who the f*** is that guy?" has become one of the most recognizable, if misunderstood, figures in modern combat sports.
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