Jose Aldo is allegedly returning to the UFC against against number 14 ranked bantamweight Jonathan Martinez. Aldo last fought for the UFC in August of 2022 against Merab Dvalishvili losing a UD at UFC 278. After this loss Aldo announced his retirement from active competition in the UFC and seemingly held true to it until now.
Jose Aldo Retirement
After retiring Jose Aldo expressed his interest in pursuing boxing and got himself some fights. Aldo’s first boxing match was in April 2023 against former UFC opponent Jeremy Stephens who he obliterated in 2018 in round 1. However, Aldo now 37 and pursuing a new sport made this fight more competitive being ruled a draw. Aldo then boxed novice Esteban Gabriel Espindola in July of 2023 winning a unanimous decision.
Aldo has also kept himself in good physical condition despite his age. He was also unsurprisingly added to the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023 befitting of a legend of his skillset and resume. The King of Rio gave an emotional speech during his ceremony touching the hearts of MMA fans around the world.
Aldo’s Announcement
The announcement has followed the announcement of the UFC 301 card a relatively weak card headlined by Pantoja vs Erceg . As exciting as Aldo’s return would be there is yet to be any confirmation from the UFC or Aldo himself . It seems strange for the UFC not to announce it themselves due to the hype generated from announcing this. Furthermore, the UFC were announcing 301 a few days ago it would be bizarre to not include such a fight on the announcement.
Perhaps this has solely emerged out of the disappointment fans feel for 301 and the pining for familiar legends but their may be truth in it. When Jose retired he was very much still looking good admittingly he was declining but still showed his skill. Before the Merab defeat he had a three fight win streak beating Vera, Munhoz, and Font all good wins Vera and font currently being 10. Then he was dominated by Merab which there was no shame in with Merab likely being the next title challenger.
Jonathon Martinez
If the fight happens which at this stage is still a big if how does it go? Well prime Aldo destroys Martinez and the Aldo of 2 years ago also beats Martinez. But current Aldo is an unknown quantity he clearly has the skills but the man is 37 and hasn’t fought MMA in 2 years. Older fighters particularly in lower weight classes have always struggled due to their decline in athleticism. Aldo has proven to be the exception but can he still be is the question. I would say yes Aldo can still beat Martinez but the rest of the division it’s difficult to tell.
The bantamweight division is still as stacked as ever and Aldo would be an interesting name to add to the mix. Success can still very much be had with some favorable striking matchups and some less well rounded fighters. In the end we sit waiting to see if the king will try to retake the throne.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
