nt"

CALGARY – Jose Aldo wants to become UFC featherweight champion again, but he’s not looking beyond the task at hand.

Aldo (26-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC) will face Jeremy Stephens (28-14 MMA, 15-13 UFC) in his first non-title bout in more than nine years Saturday at UFC on FOX 30. Aldo is coming off a pair of title-fight losses to champ Max Holloway and is facing a more difficult climb to UFC gold than ever before.

The Brazilian was issued the inaugural featherweight belt back in 2010 and in 2016 was promoted from interim to undisputed champion. He’s separated from any championships going into the matchup with Stephens and knows he must win this fight in order to get back.

“The first step is win against Jeremy Stephens in the next fight,” Aldo told reporters, including MMAjunkie, through an interpreter at UFC on FOX 30 open workouts Wednesdy. “After that we will see with the UFC what’s going on and what is the next step.”

UFC on FOX 30 takes place at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Aldo vs. Stephens co-headlines the FOX-televised portion of the card following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Aldo has shown nothing but respect for Stephens ahead of their matchup. “Scarface” is not usually one to talk smack, and this fight is no exception. Stephens has had an up-and-down run in the UFC, but he’s arguably in his finest form, and because of that Aldo thinks it was the right fight to make for both men.

“He’s a special guy, a top fighter,” Aldo said. “He has a big name in the UFC, and I believe it will be a great fight for the fans. He’s a good fighter and has been in big fights. He has the credentials to be in a fight with me.”

For more on UFC on FOX 30, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.