For the first time, Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens came face to face, and it was as intense as you’d expect.

Former UFC standouts Alvarez (1-1) and Stephens (2-0) are set to throw down January 25 at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 from Wells Fargo Center in Alvarez’s hometown of Philadelphia, but before it happens, the promotion held an introductory press conference Tuesday in Philly.

Afterward speaking with the media and addressing each other from a distance, former Bellator and UFC champion Alvarez and Stephens had plenty more words to exchange up close as BKFC president David Feldman oversaw their first faceoff.

You can watch the intense encounter in the video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for BKFC KnuckleMania 5.