Some matchups just jump off the page as soon as they’re announced. Jeremy Stephens vs. Jose Aldo certainly fits that bill, but the featherweight co-headliner at UFC on Fox 30 is far more than just a “Fight of the Night” candidate.
Before he ran into Conor McGregor at UFC 194, Aldo was universally recognized as the greatest featherweight of all time. The long-reigning 145-pound king rebounded from the shocking 13-second knockout loss against the Irishman to claim the interim crown with a five-round verdict over Frankie Edgar at UFC 200. Aldo’s hold on the division proved brief, as he has since lost back-to-back fights in decisive fashion to current featherweight champion Max Holloway.
While Aldo has suffered more defeats in the last three years than he did in the first 10 years of his pro career, Stephens is expecting a difficult fight on Saturday in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
“I’m prepared for the best Jose to show up….firing all leg kicks, firing on all cylinders,” Stephens said on UFC Tonight. “A guy who’s gonna try to pick himself up off those two losses. Good luck. You’re going against me. I’m a nightmare matchup for you.”
At 32 years old, Stephens already has 28 UFC bouts under his belt. “Lil Heathen” seems to be hitting his peak now, and he credits his improvements to training at Alliance MMA in California.
“There were times when I was out chasing other coaches and having other coaches in my corner. Eric del Fierro is a great head coach,” Stephens said. “Once I committed fully after that [Renato Carneiro] loss, I’ve been on lightning bolt performances. These are the type of performances I have when I’m fully committed, fully on board, only got one coach. Just show up clear minded, focused and handling the task.”
Since the aforementioned loss to Carneiro at UFC on Fox 24, Stephens has reeled off successive triumphs against Gilbert Melendez, Doo Ho Choi and Josh Emmett. If he beats Aldo, Stephens doesn’t see how anyone else could be considered the No. 1 contender.
“I don’t really care much for title shots. It’s either gonna come or not. The only thing I can focus on is me and do me,” he said. “If I go in there and perform the way that I perform, then I feel like I’m undeniable. Other than that, I’ve seen it come and go. I’ve seen a lot in this business and you’re never guaranteed anything. The only thing I’m guaranteeing is an exciting fight and an exciting performance.”
Stephens nearly had a chance for a title shot at UFC 226, when Holloway withdrew from a belt defense against Brian Ortega due to concussion-like symptoms during fight week. Unfortunately for Stephens, Ortega turned down the chance to face him for the interim belt at the July 7 event.
“Nothing ever come of it, which is totally fine,” Stephens said. “I have an opportunity to put myself in an undeniable situation. It all turned out for the best anyway.”
With a win in Calgary, A title shot for @LiLHeathenMMA is “undeniable”. pic.twitter.com/AqmYFQZM5F
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) July 26, 2018