2024 is a massive year for the UFC and they are planning to make the best of it. With UFC 300 already set and ready, many including the UFC themselves are looking ahead. As it turns out, Jose Aldo could be a part of their plans moving forward.
For those unaware, ‘Junior’ previously announced his retirement from MMA in 2022. Having lost a unanimous decision to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278, the Brazilian announced his retirement a month later. Notably, four months later, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at UFC 283.
The King of Rio’s road to the #UFCHOF 🇧🇷👑
[ @JoseAldoJunior | Presented by @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/WiyNDLIe8Z
— UFC (@ufc) January 22, 2023
All things considered, Aldo had not completely washed his hands off of fighting either. Since his UFC retirement, the 37-year-old has kept active, pursuing a career in boxing instead. In the three fights he has had, Jose has won twice and drawn once against Jeremy Stephens at Gamebred Boxing 4.
Jose Aldo was meant to fight Henry Cejudo at one point
For the most part, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Jose Aldo making his return. Despite a loss to Merab, many would argue that Aldo was far from not being good enough for the UFC. After all, prior to the grapple-fest with the Georgian title contender, Jose had collected three wins in a row.
Having beaten Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font, there was a real belief that the former featherweight champ could contend for another title. However, the loss to Merab likely convinced him that he would not be able to put together another run any time soon. However, as it turns out, Jose’s previous bantamweight title shot could well have come against Henry Cejudo.
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
For those unaware, ‘Triple C’ was meant to defend his bantamweight title against Jose Aldo at UFC 250 in Brazil. However, due to COVID-19, the event was held at the APEX in Las Vegas, NV, instead. As such, Cejudo also ended up making his defense against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 instead. After winning the fight, Triple C decided to call time on his career.
Jose Aldo takes on Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 in Rio
With that said, many feel that the UFC missed out on a golden opportunity, to finally have the fight. Previously, many suggested that Jose Aldo should return and take on Dominick Cruz at either UFC 300 or UFC 301 in Brazil. At the same time, Aldo vs Cejudo could also be a very valid option. However, following Henry’s loss at UFC 298, he was handed a lengthy medical suspension of 180 days.
According to sources, it appears that Aldo will be making his return against Jonathan Martinez instead. With the UFC 301 headliner getting a lot of ridicule, it is an understandable move by the UFC. Previously, it was hinted by Aaron Bronsteter that the UFC was planning a pleasant surprise for the UFC 301 co-main event. As such, it has now come to fruition, and Aldo will be the man for it.
JOSE ALDO IS RETURNING TO THE UFC
Jose Aldo Vs Jonathan Martinez
UFC 301 | May 4 | Rio De Janeiro 🇧🇷via @AgFight pic.twitter.com/1zFQDnfESc
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 16, 2024
For the most part, it is likely that Aldo is being given the opportunity to properly retire, this time in front of his own people. At the same time, he will need to be at his best as Martinez is a streaky, live bomb with some devastating kicking power. Although it will be by no means an easy fight, it is interesting to imagine how things could have turned out instead.
