Jose Aldo finally got himself back in the win column at UFC Calgary last night after previously suffering back-to-back losses against Max Holloway in UFC Featherweight Championship fights.With this win against Jeremy Stephens as well, his first ever non-title fight in the UFC, the Brazilian has entered himself back into the title picture, showing he still has plenty left in the tank.The manner in which Aldo won as well was a reminder as to why he was one of the best fighters in the featherweight division for years before his famous loss to Conor McGregor.Aldo was able to defeat Stephens in the first round of their contest with 4:19 gone. Stephens actually got the advantage over Aldo in the early stages, but the Brazilian was able to turn things around.The former UFC Featherweight Champion landed a key body shot with about a minute to go in the round, which set Stephens to the canvas after a few seconds.Aldo pounced on him immediately, landing several punches to an almost helpless Stephens and the fight was brought to an end shortly afterward.
This was Stephens' 15th loss of his professional career, but more importantly, this was Aldo's first stoppage win since 2013 when he fought against The Korean Zombie, Chan Sung Jung.
The former featherweight champion said after the fight with the help of a translator, according to JOE: “The champion is back. I just have to keep it up.”
Aldo earned himself a Performance of the Night bonus as a result of his impressive first round TKO win.
Aldo's Future
The Brazilian showed in this fight that he has plenty left in the tank despite the back-to-back losses against Holloway, and one would think he's back in title contention following this impressive win, but we'll have to wait and see.
Aldo will likely have to fight against someone like Frankie Edgar and win before getting his chance once more at the UFC Featherweight Championship.
That title fight could be either a third fight against Holloway or against the currently undefeated Brian Ortega, depending on the outcome of their clash as soon as their proposed UFC 226 fight is rearranged.