Following a dominant efficiency towards Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, Jose Aldo signed a brand new take care of 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 massive 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 struggle in his subsequent outing.
As a substitute, he’ll be tasked with taking out the division’s No. 11 ranked contender.
“I even thought I might go straight for the title, but it surely didn’t occur, however as I mentioned, I settle for any problem,” Aldo mentioned throughout UFC 307 media day on Wednesday. “That is my life, to struggle and win whatever the opponent, Mario or Jonathan. For the reason that UFC put him, I’ve to struggle. If that’s what I wish to turn into champion, then I’ll face anybody” (h/t MMA Preventing).
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 take a look at,” Aldo mentioned. “They have been testing me final time to see if I nonetheless needed this or not. Prefer it or not, I’ve a unique degree. It’s one other take a look at to me to get nearer to the belt, which is my aim.”
Jose Aldo laments his efficiency towards 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 determination victory over Sean O’Malley, he bested ‘Junior’ at UFC 278 two years in the past.
Aldo acknowledges that his efficiency towards Dvalishvili was not his greatest and he’s desirous to get one other crack on the Georgian, particularly with him laying declare to the bantamweight belt.
“My efficiency wasn’t good that evening,” Aldo mentioned. “It wasn’t my fault or Merab’s, however the referee let the struggle keep too lengthy towards the fence, and it was very boring. There was no struggle, mainly. I used to be very unhappy. All people involves a struggle anticipating one of the best of Aldo and I couldn’t present them was I used to be able to that evening.
“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 hearth is again once more. I skilled 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 all the things and remains to be right here placing on his greatest efficiency.’ The hearth is burning. I wish to placed on an excellent struggle. I’ve to win this struggle, and I do know I’ll be near a title shot.”
