Jeremy Kennedy: ‘I Found a Home and I Hope to Stay Here a Long Time’

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When Jeremy Kennedy was released from the Professional Fighters League following the postponement of season three, Bellator MMA was always his preferred next destination. He was a fan of the promotion’s 145-pound grand prix and he was looking for an employer with a more traditional style of mixed martial arts promotion.

“With the PFL season, the show goes on no matter what. They’re having their three-regular season [fights]. Then when it’s playoff time, if you get hurt, anything happens, and that date doesn’t work for you [then] you’re out. They’re going to replace you. There’s not much stability unless you’re ready to go 100 percent. If you’re out for the playoffs, [and] they bring somebody else in, you’re jobless and you’re waiting for next year. Bellator is more a promotion like the UFC. If something comes up, you get an injury, [and you say] I can fight in three or four weeks; there is a little more stability. I have a four-fight deal, and I’m just happy to make this a home now. It’s not a yearly format, [and] at the end of every year I’m wondering what’s next. I found a home and I hope to stay here for a long time.”

In his conversation with Sherdog, the 28-year-old talked about his most recent fight: A PFL semifinals loss that was eventually overturned to a no-contest and cost him a chance at a major payday. He also spoke on if a return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship was an ever an option in free agency and his matchup with Matt Bessette on Thursday night at Bellator 253.