Following a dominant efficiency in opposition to Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, Jose Aldo signed a brand new cope with the promotion and is now setting his sights on as soon as once more changing into a world champion.
On Saturday, ‘Junior’ will search one other huge win when he meets Mario Bautista at UFC 307 in Salt Lake Metropolis. Talking about his return to the Octagon throughout Wednesday’s UFC media day, Aldo had hoped to stroll straight right into a bantamweight title combat in his subsequent outing.
As an alternative, he’ll be tasked with taking out the division’s No. 11 ranked contender.
“I even thought I might go straight for the title, however it didn’t occur, however as I stated, I settle for any problem,” Aldo stated throughout UFC 307 media day on Wednesday. “That is my life, to combat and win whatever the opponent, Mario or Jonathan. Because the UFC put him, I’ve to combat. If that’s what I need to turn into champion, then I’ll face anybody” (h/t MMA Combating).
Whereas Aldo has respect for Bautista and what he’s completed contained in the Octagon up to now, the previous featherweight king firmly believes that he’s ranges above the streaking standout.
“I see this as one other check,” Aldo stated. “They had been testing me final time to see if I nonetheless wished this or not. Prefer it or not, I’ve a unique degree. It’s one other check to me to get nearer to the belt, which is my objective.”
Jose Aldo laments his efficiency in opposition to merab dvalishvili in 2022
With a win over Bautista in The Crossroads of the West, Jose Aldo hopes he’ll curry sufficient favor with the promotion to earn a rematch with reigning bantamweight champ Merab Davalishvili. Earlier than ‘The Machine’ captured the 135-pound crown final month by way of a dominant choice victory over Sean O’Malley, he bested ‘Junior’ at UFC 278 two years in the past.
Aldo acknowledges that his efficiency in opposition to Dvalishvili was not his finest and he’s desperate to get one other crack on the Georgian, particularly with him laying declare to the bantamweight belt.
“My efficiency wasn’t good that night time,” Aldo stated. “It wasn’t my fault or Merab’s, however the referee let the combat keep too lengthy in opposition to the fence, and it was very boring. There was no combat, principally. I used to be very unhappy. Everyone involves a combat anticipating one of the best of Aldo and I couldn’t present them was I used to be able to that night time.
“The hearth was out. Final time I left this place feeling actually unhappy, understanding I wouldn’t return to the octagon once more, and two years later this fireplace is again once more. I educated so arduous. These round me within the gymnasium can say that. The younger ones within the gymnasium had their jaws dropped, saying, ‘Rattling, this man is a phenom. He’s completed every part and remains to be right here placing on his finest efficiency.’ The hearth is burning. I need to placed on an ideal combat. I’ve to win this combat, and I do know I’ll be near a title shot.”
