Jose Aldo's career and Jeremy Stephens' are at a crossroads, but it was another legendary fighter who gained attention alongside Aldo this week.
Aldo turned heads when UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn joined him for fight week in Calgary before he did battle with 'Lil' Heathen.' When speaking to Fightful's James Lynch and other reporters Wednesday, Aldo said was asked if Penn would be in his corner.
"No, no, no! There was a seminar in Canada, and he's a big inspiration for us. He has good energy and a good vibe," Aldo said, via a translator, of his connection to Penn. "He's happy for BJ to be here."
As far as Stephens goes, it will serve as Aldo's first non-title fight in a nine years, but Aldo sees him as a formidable opponent.
"He's a special guy, a top fighter with a big name in the UFC, and I believe this will be a good fight for the fans," said the former Featherweight Champion Aldo to Fightful.com and other reporters. "He's a good fighter who wins big fights, and has the credentials to be here. The first step is a win over Jeremy Stepens, then he sits down with the UFC to see what's next.
In the full interview, Jose Aldo (26-4) discusses his upcoming fight against Jeremy Stephens (28-14) at UFC on FOX 30 this Saturday.
