Ex-Champ Jose Aldo Admits Doubting Ability to Win Heading Into UFC on Fox 30

After so long at the top of the division, Jose Aldo’s recent struggles caused him to question himself.

Regarded by many as the greatest featherweight of all time, Aldo entered UFC on Fox 30 with losses in three of his last four Octagon appearances. That included decisive back-to-back losses to current 145-pound champion Max Holloway, which might have led to the Brazilian being tabbed as a slight underdog against surging foe Jeremy Stephens.

While Aldo might no longer be at the peak of his powers, he showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with, as he folded Stephens with a wicked body shot and sealed his victory with follow-up ground-and-pound 4:19 into round one of their co-headlining bout in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Saturday night.

The Nova Uniao star admitted to having something of a crisis of confidence before the emphatic victory.

“I’m feeling amazing, it brought tears to my eyes because I came from two losses and I even questioned myself if I was capable to win again,” Aldo said. “I had a great training camp, my teammates and coaches always telling me I was still the champion, so I got really excited with this win, especially because of those who supported me all the time, through good and bad.”

It was Aldo’s first finish since a fourth-round TKO of Chan Sung Jung in a title defense at UFC 163 in August 2013. His three previous victories prior to Stephens were all five-round decisions.

“The big plan this camp was to go back to my roots. To go out and try to get finishes and excite the crowd,” Aldo said at the post-fight press conference. “I think we were able to see some of that tonight.”

Another shot at Holloway is unlikely to be in the immediate future for Aldo because Brian Ortega is currently the No. 1 contender, but he does eventually have designs on regaining the belt he held for years. For now, it’s time to celebrate — for multiple reasons.

“It’s my daughter’s birthday this upcoming week, I wanted to dedicate this victory to her. I want to take some time off and enjoy with her a little bit, but that belt is still my goal and I’m coming for it,” he said.