Stephens plans to 'brutally' knock out Rodriguez in rematch

After their first fight ended in controversy, Jeremy Stephens believes his rematch against Yair Rodriguez is personal and looks to make a statement on Oct. 18.

"I see myself brutally putting this guy’s lights out," Stephens told theScore. "I’m not going to just whoop his ass, its bad intentions every shot. I see his jaw broken and him on the canvas, really waking up into a reality."

Stephens (28-16, NC) didn't take kindly to Rodriguez's assessment that he wanted out of the fight after he was poked in the eye and couldn't continue. The 33-year-old believes "El Pantera" is delusional and looks to hammer that point home with his fists.

"I think right now Yair Rodriguez lives in a fantasy world and I’m going to f---ing knock his ass out and bring him back out into reality. This kid needs an ass whooping, I want to give it to him. I can’t wait to put my hands on him. Everything I throw is going to be throw to kill."

UFC on ESPN: Weidman vs. Reyes takes place Oct. 18 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Stephens faces Rodriguez in the co-main event.

Watch the full interview with Stephens below and subscribe to theScoreMMA Youtube channel here.