Cable termination assembly and method for connectors

A fiber optic connector assembly comprising:

• a fiber optic cable including an optical fiber, an outer jacket surrounding the optical fiber, and a strength layer between the optical fiber and the outer jacket;
• a connector body defining a front end and a rear end, wherein the connector body defines a plastic front housing and a metallic rear insert coupled to the front housing, wherein the strength layer of the fiber optic cable is anchored to the metallic rear insert with a strength member clamp, wherein a first portion of the strength layer of the fiber optic cable is captured between the strength member clamp and the metallic rear insert and a second portion of the strength layer is folded rearwardly over an exterior of the strength member clamp;
• a fiber securement substrate mounted within the metallic rear insert;
• a shape recoverable article that secures the optical fiber the fiber securement substrate;
• and
• the optical fiber extending forwardly from the fiber securement substrate through the connector body to the front end of the connector body, wherein a ferrule-less end portion of the optical fiber is accessible at the forward end of the connector body.