Jeremy Stephens picked up a crucial decision win over former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez at UFC 215.
For his next fight, the featherweight slugger wouldn’t mind stepping into the Octagon against former UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.
“I would love that fight (against Jose Aldo), but November, it’s a little tight on my schedule, and I can’t push two things back,” Stephens said to MMA Junkie. “So December or January, something like that – that would be something I’d definitely look forward to. He’s a banger and a class act. I think me and him could get it on and give the fans a great showing. But I just can’t do November. I can’t keep pushing things back.”
Stephens did postpone his wedding for the UFC 215 bout and now he is getting married in just two weeks, which he revealed in his post-fight interview.
The featherweight contender also wants to make more money for his children, which is another reason why he wants more big name opponents.
“My kids are growing, and I want the best for them and the best for me and to set them up in the future,” Stephens said. “I’m just now starting to make good money in this sport, and it’s been a long time. I feel like I should be making a (expletive) more money, especially since I just beat a guy who makes probably double what I do.”
Aldo has yet to respond to the challenge from Stephens, but the Brazilian hasn’t competed since losing his featherweight title to Max Holloway at UFC 212.
