Gallery Zabit Magomedsharipov def. Brandon Davis at UFC 228: Best photos view 11 images

Jeremy Stephens is ready to topple the seemingly giant task of beating Zabit Magomedsharipov when the pair clash in a featherweight bout at UFC 235 in March.

Following an initial report of the matchup from ESPN.com, Stephens (28-15 MMA, 15-14 UFC) has taken to social media to give his first comments on the bout against Magomedsharipov (16-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who has been touted by many as a fighter with the potential to be a future UFC champion (via Instagram):

I declare to rise victorious again, I welcome the challenge this fight brings and I’m confident in these challenges I’ll overcome in a fantastic performance! #Merica 🇺🇸

UFC 235 takes place March 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

Stephens, No. 14 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings, recently had a three-fight winning streak snapped against former longtime divisional champion Jose Aldo at UFC on FOX 30 in July. “Lil’ Heathen” has minced no words about his willingness to take on all comers during his octagon tenure, as proven by his 29 UFC appearances, which are tied for second most in company history.

No. 9-ranked Magomedsharipov provides a stern task, though, as he’s proven over four winning UFC performances and a 12-fight winning streak dating back to his sole loss in April 2013. The Russian has been calling for the biggest names at 145 pounds since he joined the UFC roster, and now he’ll get his most credentialed foe to date.

With the addition, the UFC 235 lineup now includes:

Ben Askren vs. Robbie Lawler

Tecia Torres vs. Weili Zhang

Mickey Gall vs. Diego Sanchez

Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Jeremy Stephens

For more on UFC 235, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.