On the rise in UFC bantamweights and with a fight scheduled, José Aldo admits he is close to retiring from MMA

J. Aldo celebrates victory at UFC Vegas 44. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil

On the rise in UFC bantamweight (up to 61,2kg.), José Aldo does not intend to prolong his career as a professional in MMA. At 34 years old, the Brazilian legend admits that he has plans to end his career soon, but as a champion in the company. The statement was made in an interview with 'Combate'.

“At the beginning I told Dedé (Pederneiras, Aldo's coach) that, at 35 years old, I would be champion and I would retire. That’s why I say that my retirement is very close, but I said I would leave as a champion”, said the man from Manaus.

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At a great stage in his career, the Brazilian has a commitment to UFC 278, which takes place on August 20th. Opponent of Merab Dvalishvili, the fighter sees his rival as an important step towards a new title fight in the under-61,2kg division, thus following the planning made with his mentor.

“You can put Merab, who is a tough guy, well ranked, and nobody wants to fight. I'm going to beat him and then I'm going to win the title, because it was already written. (…) I’ll finish at 60kg, which is where I started my career”, he concluded.

Current number three in the bantamweight rankings, Aldo has accumulated three consecutive victories. In his last commitment, the Brazilian had a gala performance and surpassed Rob font by points, with a gala presentation.