UFC 301 has recently concluded and what an event we had. Despite many initial qualms about the follow-up to UFC 300, fans walked away more or less satisfied after watching this one. Notably, one of the major talking points from the night revolved around the return of Jose Aldo.
For those unaware, Jose Aldo made his UFC return in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil against Jonathan Martinez. In what was a befitting homecoming for the ‘King of Rio’, Aldo put on an absolute clinic against a young, hungry, and dangerous Martinez. With a few doubts regarding his ability and durability after retiring in 2022, Jose proved all the doubters wrong and showed why he is hailed as the featherweight GOAT by so many.
The King of Rio secures the UD! 👏 🇧🇷@JoseAldoJunior | #UFC301 pic.twitter.com/dXIFokunRH
— UFC (@ufc) May 5, 2024
Most notably, Aldo did not just win, but he took a serious contender to school and despite his age, showed some sleek movement and speed that took the viewers for a trip down memory lane. That said, many had also assumed that the fight would serve as a proper sendoff for the Brazilian, seeing that he had retired without saying goodbye. However, that could not be farther from reality for a reinvigorated and motivated Aldo.
Jose Aldo reveals that Henry Cejudo turned down a fight against him at UFC 301
Coming into this one, Jose Aldo had revealed the real reason behind his retirement. Owing to decades of fighting at the top level, the fighter felt the need to take a break, in order to make up for missed time with his family and loved ones. Thus, it allowed him to once again find his fire and the willingness to come back and have another crack at the bantamweight title picture.
Ahead of his return, Aldo had seemingly asked for a top contender or a legend like himself, to see where he stood. As such, there were some very interesting names touted for him, and as Jose revealed in the UFC 301 post-fight presser, all of them unfortunately failed to materialize.
“As incredible as it sounds, I forgot to talk about this, I had asked to fight with (Cory) Sandhagen, but he was hurt, wasn’t he? But before that, I messaged Henry Cejudo talking about this possibility, but he had just fought and would go through shoulder surgery. So that’s why it couldn’t happen here in Rio either.”
“That could have been (a fight), Henry and Dominick, right? So it was (those) 2 guys that we talked about a lot for this to happen. But with Henry, I started alone, I texted him. I asked, with all due respect, (if) he thought of doing this fight. Not here in Rio, but anywhere else for me to go back.”
“And he said no, he’s going through surgery. So that’s why it didn’t happen, bro. But not now, now we are in another step. (I) have to sit down with Dana to see what we can do.”
Interstingly, as Jose Aldo reveals, there were discussions for him to potentially face Cory Sandhagen, Dominick Cruz, and Henry Cejudo. However, due to injury issues for all three of them, the fights fell apart, and with Aldo needing to fight in Rio, an alternative in Jonathan Martinez was picked instead.
Jose Aldo and Henry Cejudo almost fought at UFC 250
All things considered, things worked out quite well for Jose Aldo. Capping off his UFC return and homecoming with a dominant win, the possibilities are endless for the Brazilian. Effectively finishing out his contract with this fight, it puts him in a good position to bargain with the UFC for a handsome new contract. Moreover, with a lot of interesting fights still possible with him, the UFC could be forced to play ball.
Moreover, for those who remember, Henry Cejudo was meant to defend his bantamweight title against Jose Aldo at UFC 250 in Brazil. However, the event ended up being held at the APEX in Las Vegas, NV, instead, owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, Cejudo ended up making his defense against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 instead. Having won the fight, ‘Triple C’ had called time on his career for the first time.
I always wonder what could’ve been. I spent a whole camp training to fight Jose Aldo in Brazil, but COVID changed everything. I was looking forward to the challenge & crazy atmosphere.
Happy retirement to one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history @josealdojunior 👏🏽🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/I4fHHLBMgc
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 18, 2022
Thereafter, Cejudo also expressed his desire to have fought Aldo when the Brazilian retired in 2022. Now, with Henry, and Dominick Cruz set to return from injury, a fight with Jose Aldo could be set up for either fighter. Not only that but with the fighter looking like he hasn’t missed a beat, he would still be the favorite against either opponent at 37 years old. All things considered, the fans will still see a lot of Aldo’s brilliance in the foreseeable future.
