D. White in an interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
UFC president, Dana White, commented on the possible departure of the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg.), José Aldo, for the division of roosters (up to 61,2kg.). According to the agent, the fighter has the ability to perform in any division and the option to perform in the lower category could be a good thing for Manauara. In an interview with 'Combate', the 'boss' spoke about the subject.
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“(José) Aldo sent me a message, and I said I didn’t know, and that I would look. We don't know what we're going to do with these divisions yet. As soon as we define it, we will inform him. I like José Aldo in any division”, stated the president.
The Brazilian, who recently renewed his contract with the company, after raising rumors that he would retire after his last commitment at UFC 235, in Rio de Janeiro, when he shared the octagon with the Australian Alexander Volkanovsky and was defeated by the judges' unanimous decision.
Before the confrontation against Alexander, Aldo was ranked first in the division, which today is dominated by one of his tormentors, Max Holloway, to whom the man from Manaus lost the belt in a clash that represented the main fight of UFC 212, in June 2017. After the setback, the Brazilian had an opportunity to regain the belt six months later, but ended up losing again to the North American by knockout at UFC 218.
With two consecutive defeats to the current title holder, Aldo, despite remaining number one in the category, walked away from a new chance to regain his position. The Brazilian then had three other fights, winning two and losing in the last, against Volkanovski.
Faced with competition in the featherweight division, 'People's Champion' then, last week, declared his desire to move to the bantamweight category and, straight away, challenged the current champion, Henry Cejudo, who also holds the flyweight belt (up to 56,7kg.).
According to Manauara, as soon as he made the decision, together with his team, the athlete sent a message to the president reporting his desire.
Aldo, however, has a history of struggling when it comes to weight cuts in his former division. Preparing to fight in the lighter category can be another complicating factor for the athlete's life, if the option to actually play for the bantamweight division is confirmed.
José is considered, by many, the greatest featherweight of all time. During his reign, the Brazilian defended his title on six occasions. His best phase within the company was until 2015, when he was defeated in the fateful confrontation against the Irishman Conor McGregor.
At 32 years old, Aldo has 33 professional fights in mixed martial arts. In total, the athlete has 28 triumphs and five setbacks.
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