Popó reinforces challenge to José Aldo, but rejects kickboxing duel: 'I called first'

J. Aldo was challenged by Popó to a boxing fight. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Right after drawing with Whindersson Nunes in the main fight of Fight Music Show, last Sunday (30), Acelino Popó Freitas challenged José Aldo, former UFC featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg). According to the former world boxing champion, however, his initial target was different: Wanderlei Silva.

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During his participation in the “Flow Sport Club” podcast, last Thursday (03), Popó revealed that the idea of ​​challenging José Aldo came from his son.

“There were several world MMA champions there, including Wanderlei Silva, which is almost my size, must be 5 or 6 cm taller than me, despite being big. I thought about making him a challenge, because this entertainment would be good, it would generate money and good publicity. But in the locker room, warming up to fight, my son came up with the idea of ​​challenging the José Aldo, who is my weight and is active exchanging punches at 36 years old. When I arrived at the interview, I made the challenge: José Aldo, get ready when the champion has arrived”, said Popó.

The challenge made by Popó caught the attention of José Aldo. The former UFC champion, however, imposed some conditions for the fight to get off the ground and suggested a duel with mixed boxing and kickboxing rules. Relaxed, Popó rejected the idea, reinforcing that he was the one who made the invitation first and that he “doesn’t know how to kick”.

“He asked me to kickboxing, but I asked him first, it's up to him to accept it or not. I was the one who called first, if he wants to come to mine, the invitation has been made and the queue is long. The first kick I get in the leg ends my life. I don't know how to kick and he knows how to hit. I would never challenge a guy who doesn't know how to punch, but he knows how to box. How many fights has he won by hand? How many times did I kick? I never kicked, I never elbowed, I never threw a round punch”, argued the boxer.

Finally, Popó guaranteed that, if the duel under boxing rules takes place, he will train hard to “destroy” the former UFC champion.

“If I come to boxing, I'm sure I'll crush it. Train like hell. When you have focus, you get out of the way. What makes a fight unbalanced, even if it is balanced, is the weight you have in your hands”, he concluded.