Jose Aldo attempted to score his second victory over Jeremy Stephens. Unlike their first meeting inside the Octagon in 2018, this matchup took place inside the squared circle as Jorge Masvidal presented Gamebred Boxing 4. Aldo, who retired from mixed martial arts following a loss to Merab Dvalishvili in August, scored his first professional boxing win less than two months ago against Emmanuel Zambrano. He planned to make it two in a row against a familiar face on Saturday night under the Gamebred banner.
Round 1
Jeremy Stephens comes out firing a 1-2. Aldo jabs to the body. High guard for Stephens throws another combination. Stephens is keeping busy, peppering Aldo with strikes as ‘Junior’ is able to defend well. Aldo delivers a couple of stiff speedy jabs. Aldo displays patience as Stephens continues to throw. Jab from Aldo followed by a combination, finished off with a rip to the body of Stephens. Stephens responds with a big right hand as the round ends.
Round 2
Jeremy Stephens comes out targeting the body of Aldo and lands a glancing right hook. Aldo fires back with a three-punch combo. Big hook to the body from Aldo. Aldo delivers a 1-2 followed by a rear-right uppercut that lands clean. The right hand from Stephens is countered by a big right hand from Aldo. Hook to the body from Aldo followed by another solid right. Jab from Aldo and Stephens responds with a jab of his own as the round comes to a close.
Round 3
Jab to the body from Stephens. Aldo delivers his own jab to the head in response. Stephens hooks to the body and Aldo responds by letting his hands go with a flurry of strikes. Stephens is beginning to stand still giving Aldo an easy target to hit. Overhand right barely misses for Stephens. Right hand from Aldo lands and Stephens responds with a big overhand right of his own that snaps back Aldo’s head.
Round 4
Stephens with a stiff jab to the head of Aldo to start the round. Stephens is beginning to utilize feints and throws a double hook to the body of Aldo. The right hook from Stephens is returned by Aldo. Overhand right from Stephens lands. Aldo attempts to respond with a straight right but misses the mark. A short left hook from Aldo lands clean. He follows it up with a right uppercut that gets the blood flowing from Stephens’ nose. A short right from Stephens lands and Aldo responds with a right hook. Counter right hook from Stephens lands clean as the round ends.
Round 5
Stiff jab from Aldo to start the round. Aldo hooks to the body and Stephens counters with a right hand. Aldo throws a hook and Stephens responds with a jab. Stephens rips to the body. Stephens is mixing it up really well, but Aldo moves in with a 1-1-2 combination. Stephens delivers his own 1-1-2 and Aldo comes right back with a 1-2 combo. Both fighters throw with intent in the final seconds, Aldo landing an overhand right. Stephens comes back with a jab at the end of the round.
Round 6
Aldo comes out looking for a lead left hook but misses. Flurry from Aldo partially lands. Stephens stays disciplined on defense as he begins targeting the body of Aldo. Stephens goes upstairs with a right uppercut as he continues to stay in control going into the final minute of the round. A left jab from Stephens lands and Aldo snaps back with a 1-2. Aldo walks forward, but Stephens continues to fire. With 10 seconds to go, both fighters unload, throwing recklessly in a highly entertaining finish.
Official Result: Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens is ruled a majority draw (58-56 Aldo, 57-57, 57-57)
Check Out Highlights From Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens at Gamebred Boxing 4 Below:
Rumor has it a certain Iowa Hawkeye and friend of the program is in the building for Stephens. Care to confirm or deny, @BrodyTeske?#GamebredBoxing4 pic.twitter.com/h4UkkrjZ1X
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) April 2, 2023
JOSE ALDO TIME!!!
LET'S THROW DOWN!!#GamebredBoxing4 pic.twitter.com/QGst8pGA6S
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) April 2, 2023
SLUG FEST #GamebredBoxing4 pic.twitter.com/ylpZJP1S4T
— UFE (@ufeworld) April 2, 2023
Jose Aldo throwing a mean combo in round 3 at #gamebredboxing4 pic.twitter.com/y4Uj2I0jBo
— UFE (@ufeworld) April 2, 2023
Aldo looks good #GamebredBoxing4 pic.twitter.com/6UBfSa84jO
— The Octagon Obsessed (@octagonobsessed) April 2, 2023
Jeremy Stephens showboating in front of Jose Aldo#gamebredboxing4 pic.twitter.com/2D1QMH3DO9
— UFE (@ufeworld) April 2, 2023
What a great end to a great fight!
Jose Aldo vs Jeremy Stephens did not disappoint! pic.twitter.com/afX7OzkuvL
— UFE (@ufeworld) April 2, 2023
