Former featherweight champion Jose Aldo (26-4, 14 KOs, 2 SUBs) will meet Jeremy Stephens (28-14, 19 KOs, 2 SUBs) at UFC on FOX 30 on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. The main card airs live on FOX starting 8pm ET following the FOX prelims.
Jose Aldo will fight in a non-title bout for the first time since 2009. That’s 14 straight fights where the Brazilian was either defending a strap or trying to win one. He’s been too good for too long to expect any less - this is a surefire, first-ballot hall of famer and the greatest featherweight in UFC history.
The crazy thing is that he’s only 31. Though it seems like he’s been around forever, Aldo is still in his physical prime - though we’re finally starting to see a decline from the all-timer. Currently mired in a 1-3 slump, Aldo will meet longtime veteran Jeremy Stephens this Saturday in a compelling co-main event in Calgary.
Stephens comes into the matchup on the strength of a 3-fight winning streak, beating Gilbert Melendez, Doo Ho Choi and Josh Emmett. That’s an impressive run over some good fighters, but he’s taking a huge step up against Aldo. This could be the signature victory that has eluded Lil’ Heathen his entire career, as he’s come up short against guys like Cub Swanson, Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar.
A win for Stephens could lock up a shot at the title. That’s huge for a guy about to make his 30th walk to the octagon. After being the division’s Michael Bisping for so long, is he ready to make the leap? And is that something you should bet on? Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Jose Aldo -125
Jeremy Stephens -105
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: -165 / +125
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: Aldo 3.46 / Stephens 3.08
Accuracy: Aldo 44.54% / Stephens 40.44%
Significant strikes absorbed p/m: Aldo 2.91 / Stephens 2.71
Defense: Aldo 67.15% / Stephens 60.14%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Aldo 0.74 / Stephens 1.17
Takedown accuracy: Aldo 68.42% / Stephens 36.49%
Takedowns defended: Aldo 92.31% / Stephens 36.49%
Submission average: Aldo 0.17 / Stephens 0.43
Matchup Preview
This is going to be a kickboxing match. Aldo has never been defeated by a wrestling-oriented approach, and that includes valiant attempts by elite MMA wrestlers like Chad Mendes and Frankie Edgar. Stephens isn’t really a grappler anyway, and luckily for him, the once-unbeatable Aldo has never looked more vulnerable on the feet.
It’s tough to say whether his 13 second humbling at the hands of Conor McGregor changed Aldo. We know for sure now that McGregor’s power is on a different level, so we can’t be too harsh on Scarface. But the Holloway losses were something different - the Brazilian got thoroughly outworked and dominated. Then again, Maxy Boy is a special fighter when it comes to output and dynamic striking.
While Stephens can’t replicate Holloway’s all-out assault, he can follow the same broad plan of trying to wear down Aldo with pace. That’s a dangerous game to play, since the former champ is a scorching counterstriker, but Stephens’ time at Alliance MMA has helped him evolve from a brawler into a much sharper kickboxer overall.
UFC Odds Pick: Aldo to win at -125
While Aldo’s recent slide could signal a major drop in ability, it more likely is the result of meeting two of the best fighters in the world today. His one win during that run came over Frankie Edgar, and he looked like the sharp Aldo that we’ve all grown accustomed to. Stephens’ doesn’t have a dominating weapon like McGregor or Holloway, and he’ll get taken to school because of it.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC Fight UFC on FOX 30 takes place on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. The main card airs live on FOX starting 8pm ET following the FOX prelims.
