Jose Aldo accomplished his UFC cope with a classic efficiency at UFC 301, dominating rising prospect Jonathan Martinez over three rounds to win a unanimous resolution.
Now his future is broad open.
Aldo returned from a two-year retirement for UFC 301 and mentioned he has but to decide concerning his combating future. UFC has the power to match affords over a time frame, however Aldo mentioned he didn’t conform to combat at UFC 301 merely to turn into a free agent. As an alternative, he wished to check himself once more beneath MMA guidelines after a brief 2-0-1 run in boxing.
“However now, sure, it’s time to barter,” Aldo mentioned Monday on The MMA Hour. “It’s time to take a seat down with UFC and see what’s greatest for us. We’re negotiating, ‘Dede’ [Andre Pederneiras] is speaking immediately with Sean [Shelby] in conferences. We’re ready to see what occurs. We’ve got a number of affords on the desk, however from the UFC, we’re simply beginning [to negotiate]. It’s on ‘Dede’, Sean, and Dana [White] now, to take a seat on the desk and resolve what’s greatest for my life.”
Aldo revealed he agreed to field Neeraj Goyat within the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson earlier than signing a deal to combat Martinez at UFC 301. The previous UFC and WEC champion additionally mentioned at UFC 301’s post-fight press convention that he appreciated the concept of leaping the road and difficult Sean O’Malley for the UFC bantamweight title if he reaches a brand new cope with the group, and doubled down on his championship targets in 2024.
“I’ve to provide precedence to what I’ve my complete life, proper?” Aldo mentioned. “Thank God, the Aldo I’m at this time, and what I do at this time, that’s because of the UFC. I wish to sit down with the UFC first. Who is aware of, possibly [I’ll continue] in MMA. I used to be doing this for 20 years, all the time giving every part I had. I by no means went out, by no means took holidays, nothing however coaching and coaching. This time away was good for me and my head, my physique. I may get well. I contemplate myself an excellent MMA fighter once more.”
Aldo compiled a three-fight win streak at bantamweight over Pedro Munhoz, Rob Font, and Marlon Vera earlier than hanging up his gloves in 2022 following a call loss to Merab Dvalishvili. He mentioned his dream nonetheless is to assert the 135-pound championship.
Aldo is at the moment ready to listen to what UFC has for him earlier than he decides what’s greatest for his future and the way forward for his household.
“All of it relies upon now what they’ll current me and what the plan for the longer term is,” Aldo mentioned. “I don’t suppose cash is the matter now, we’re not occupied with that. We’re occupied with what I can do and the place can I am going. That’s what we have now to see now. My dream was to turn into champion and I’ve educated for that, my physique is ready for that. Everybody noticed what I did in my return, I did a little bit of every part. I used to be a whole MMA fighter. I’m feeling nice to do much more. Who is aware of, to be the champion sooner or later.”
