J. Aldo wants to fight at bantamweight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @josealdojunioroficial
One of the legends among the featherweights (up to 65,7kg) of MMA, José Aldo, decided to make a career change. The athlete revealed his desire to move to the lower category and perform among the bantamweights (up to 61,2kg). Manauara's decision was made due to the athlete's desire to once again be one of the UFC champions and, to do so, he must face the North American, Henry Cejudo, who, today, sports the strap. The statement was made in a recent interview with 'Combate'. Aldo hasn't fought since May of this year.
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“I sat down with everyone, I did a study, I think I have a real chance of making the weight of 61kg. It's this new category that I'm going to try to migrate to, I'm asking for a fight for the title right away. That's what matters to me now. (Henry) Cejudo said he's open to anyone, so I'm open to that, I want the opportunity to fight him and beat him”, said the 'People's Champion'.
Although the desire to fight for the title is the main motivator for the Brazilian to change divisions, Aldo praises and says he admires the current champion. For José, Henry has shown himself to be a great competitor within Ultimate and has achieved great things.
“I have to get the guy up there. He's an Olympic champion, a great athlete, I respect his story a lot. He is doing justice to his work. He deserves what he is getting. If Ultimate thinks it's a great fight, I think they'll want it, it's a huge challenge. He had been talking, after he beat Marlinho (Marlon moraes), which was open to big names. Since it's open, it gave the go-ahead. It’s in the hands of Ultimate”, said José.
Naturally, the manauara will have to undergo a change in his diet, as he will have to adapt to a completely different weight loss process, as he will have to lose approximately 4,5kg, when compared to the dehydration process suffered in featherweights. On this subject, the athlete seems to have already submitted professional support, which will help the Brazilian in this new process so that the fighter reaches the new division performing at a high level and with a quality of life.
“I eat normally, I have never deprived myself of food. Now I have to do more serious work, go on a diet, follow the exact schedule as the doctors ask and, in this way, I will arrive stronger in the category. It won't be easy, but it's the price I have to pay. If the price is that, I'm (willing) to pay it and, who knows, be the champion in the near future”, concluded the fighter.
Aldo was the absolute featherweight champion between 2011 and 2015, when he was beaten by Conor McGregor. The athlete, however, managed to win the interim title in 2016, after the Irishman gave up his belt to work in the lightweight category (up to 70,3kg). José, however, was once again dethroned in the fight to unify the belt against Max HollowayIn 2017.
Currently 32 years old, the man from Manaus has 33 professional fights, with 28 wins and five defeats.
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