Hanging up his gloves in the fall of 2022 against Merab Dvalishvili , UFC HOF Jose Aldo retired from the UFC. It was not for lacking in skillsets. ‘The King of Rio’ recanted his MMA retirement for one last contractual fight. Not only did he win at UFC 301’s feature co-mains, but he also did so rather dominantly. In a fateful U-turn, he has now edged closer to a title shot chance, opening up as the top #8 bantamweight on the roster.
Last weekend, Jose Aldo outpointed 135-pound standout Jonathan Martinez by a decisive unanimous decision at UFC 301. This Monday, he opened as the 8th-best bantamweight on his re-entry. Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter), MMA coverage journo for Sportsnet, reported the matter on X. Meanwhile, Jonathan Martinez was bumped down to #14 after the loss.
In his post-fight octagon interview at the Farmasi Arena, Aldo hinted at disregarding the notion of his retirement. Even without a rehashed UFC contract, he can be the hottest free agent in the sport. Speaking to MMAFighting on SBN at UFC 301’s post-fight conference, Aldo said the brass urged him to fight for the title even before. Now, with his win, he expects to skip the line and rise to the top dominantly.
Reigning 135-pound king Sean O’Malley liked the Brazilian’s speedy output and the lack of ring rust. He even indulged in the idea that Aldo rising to challenge him in the future might just be a possibility. O’Malley will likely face Merab Dvalishvili next. However, if things go to plan, Aldo could jump the line and fight O’Malley in a super fight.
Following UFC 301 performance, Daniel Cormier questions why Jose Aldo ever retired
The UFC 301 co-main event saw a fiery battle between a surging bantamweight youngster and an older legend. A guy in red fight shorts out of the blue corner versus the guy in blue shorts out of the red corner. Jose Aldo fighting again after ending his retirement had instilled much fear and anticipation. However, Aldo (now 32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) surprisingly came out as the better fighter during the bout.
In light of his performance, play-by-play Daniel Cormier, who interviewed him at the Farmasi Arena, wonders why he retired.
I mean why does Jose Aldo retire when you possess that skill? He stopped at 35 years old, he comes back at 37 and he looks like the same guy that ran the division for many years, His speed was still there... His commitment to his strikes, his dedication, his mind was still there...He just looked as good as we’ve ever seen him look, and he fought a guy in Jonathan Martinez that pushed him in the right spots... Daniel Cormier via ESPN MMA post-UFC 301 Backstage Show
The former UFC and WEC champ baffled many with the way he performed at 37 years of age. Cormier already respects him as the pioneer of the division. He lauded his extended cardio and definitive striking against someone like Martinez. Aldo isn’t ruling out skipping the line and shooting for the top guard at 135 yet again. Cormier postulates there is a lot of grit left in him if he chooses to pursue it. Chasing the bantamweight gold could easily be it.
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