UFC 300 set the bar and expectations that fans should have from a UFC event. Following the massive success of the third centenary event of the promotion’s history, the fans are eagerly looking forward to what the future holds. That said, Jose Aldo’s imminent return at UFC 301 looks like a good place to start.
For those unaware, it was previously revealed that ‘Junior’ will be coming out of retirement to fight Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Previously, Aldo had made his departure from the sport following his loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278. Although the decision came a month later, it was understood that at 37, Aldo had already conquered everything he needed to in the sport.
The King of Rio is making his return to the Octagon! 🇧🇷@JonathanMyda takes on @JoseAldoJunior at #UFC301 pic.twitter.com/TrgrkZAdn0
— UFC (@ufc) March 20, 2024
However, when news first broke that Aldo would be returning to fight in Rio, the initial reaction was that he was probably returning to properly retire, in front of his native crowd. Seeing that he left the UFC with one fight left on his deal, the narrative was deemed to be the case. However, as it turns out, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Jose Aldo reveals his true intentions after returning at UFC 301
Ahead of UFC 301, there was a lot of talk about why Jose Aldo is returning and why now. For the most part, the general consensus was around him returning to lay down the gloves and bid farewell to the fans who had supported him throughout his career. Seeing that he did not get the sendoff he deserved, it made all the sense in the world.
That said, in the UFC 301 Countdown, Jose Aldo reveals why he is truly returning for his second UFC stint at the age of 37.
“I had been doing this since I was a kid. Training and fighting was all I knew. I had never taken a break to enjoy my life. I needed time for myself, for my family, to enjoy what fighting gave me.”
“After a while, I found this drive again. Fighting is in me. It’s all I know. I can still fight at a high level. The only thing on my mind right now is that I have the potential to fight for the belt once again.”
All things considered, Jose Aldo believes he still has it in him to make a run for the 135-pound title once again. A surprising claim to say the least, especially considering his age, it is certainly not what many were expecting to hear. Not only that but considering he does manage to beat Jonathan Martinez, the road to the top is a difficult one, with top fighters crawling all over and around the rankings.
Will Jose Aldo’s return be enough to save the UFC 301 card?
For the most part, it is no secret that corners had to be cut with UFC 301. In order to have a headliner for UFC 300, the promotion borrowed the headliner of Alex Pereira vs Jamahal Hill, which was originally intended for Brazil. As a result, the co-main event of Alexandre Pantoja vs Steve Erceg was declared to be the new headliner with Jose Aldo taking on Jonathan Martinez just before it. All in all, the switch-up saved UFC 300 but potentially doomed UFC 301.
Since its announcement, the fans were taken aback as to why the UFC booked Pantoja to take on Erceg, the #10 ranked contender. Whilst Pantoja has had a lot to say about it, many feel that the card is doomed and will severely suffer in terms of PPV buys. Although Alex Pereira promised to make a case for himself to return on short notice, it is unlikely that the UFC will be able to put together a fight for him, especially at heavyweight.
Only ONE month left until #UFC301!
Check out the official poster for Rio! 🇧🇷
Buy your tickets now: https://t.co/ORJ91Aulww pic.twitter.com/H5WYQW0uTU
— UFC (@ufc) April 4, 2024
Thus, the burden falls on hometown hero Jose Aldo to carry the show on May 4 for the UFC’s 12th trip to Rio De Janeiro. With the fighter declaring his intentions to make a run for the title again, it will change their perception of fans going into the fight. However, even if Aldo puts on a spectacular performance, it may not be enough to save UFC 301 from being the worst-performing PPV of 2024 so far.
