UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo claims his return fight at UFC 301 was originally scheduled to be against another former champion in the promotion.
The UFC heads to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 4th for UFC 301, but perhaps the biggest talking point for fans ahead of the card is Aldo's surprise return to the Octagon for the first time in over a year and a half, facing No. 13 I guess I will. Bantamweight ranking contender Jonathan Martinez.
Martinez is currently on a six-fight winning streak and this will be a big test for the former featherweight champion. aaron bronsteter According to reports, the original plan was for Aldo to return to fight Dominick Cruz before “The Dominator” withdrew from the bout due to injury.
Cruz hasn't fought since losing by knockout to Marlon Vera in 2022.
Joe Campoale-USA TODAY Sports
Longtime MMA fans will no doubt be disappointed to hear that the Cruz vs. Aldo matchup fell through before UFC 301. That's because these two men are both the greatest of all time to establish themselves as elite fighters in the WEC, and have parlayed that success into championship reigns. Together with the UFC.
Aldo successfully defended his featherweight belt seven times after joining the UFC as the promotion's first 145-pound fighter. He recently reminded fans of how far he has competed at the top level by sharing footage of his 2010 WEC title defense against Urijah Faber.
Aldo initially announced his retirement from fighting after Merab Dvalishvili ended his three-fight win streak at UFC 278, but the 37-year-old made his professional boxing debut just six months later, winning two in three fights last year. I mentioned it.
It remains to be seen how many more times Aldo intends to step into the Octagon, but if the Brazilian intends to make another shot at the bantamweight title, he has a great chance to jump back up the division rankings when Aldo takes the fight. Dew. Martinez competed in the co-main event of UFC 301 on May 4th.
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