Jose Aldo was in an unfamiliar position in Calgary Saturday night against Jeremy Stephens -- on the outside looking in at the UFC Championship title picture.
Aldo, widely considered the greatest UFC Featherweight of all time, was in his first non-title fight in nine years taking on the emerging Stephens. He'd require a win to be anywhere near the title discussion after losing three title fights in two years.
Aldo opened strong with leg kicks, before slowing down and facing the wrath of Stephens. Aldo employed a huge hook to the body that spelled the beginning of the end.
You can see an excerpt of our Fightful.com live coverage of UFC Calgary below.
Round One: The round begins with Aldo looking for a high kick against Stephens, Stephens responds with an attempt of his own. Stephens and Aldo also start exchanging some leg kicks, Stephens then nails Aldo with a knee strike to the midsection. Stephens also catches Aldo with a kick to the midsection, Stephens and Aldo get into a wild striking exchange. Stephens rocks Aldo with a huge punching combination near the cage wall, Aldo charges forward and he swings away at Stephens. Aldo nails Stephens with an overhand right, Aldo drops Stephens with a left to the midsection and he pounces on him with more strikes until the referee jumps in.
Official Result: #2 Jose Aldo def. #4 Jeremy Stephens by TKO via strikes (4:19, R1)
Aldo told UFC commentator Jon Anik after the fight that he was concerned what a loss would do to him, but that he will return to the cage.
You can see Fightful's playlist of UFC Calgary interviews at this link.
