José Aldo, about possible fight against Anthony Pettis: 'It would be a dream'

Aldo and Pettis in a promotional photo for the duel that would take place at UFC Rio 4. Photo: Disclosure/ UFC Brasil

José Aldo e Anthony Pettis, featherweight and lightweight champions respectively, have been increasingly consolidating their reigns within their categories. The Brazilian has already defeated almost every possible challenger at his weight and is coming off a convincing victory against Chad Mendes, while Pettis shined again by submitting the tough Gilbert Melendez at UFC 181.

See too

'The longing for knockouts is immense', guarantees Cigano before facing Miocic

Super Lutas Podcast analyzes UFC 181 and signing of CM Punk

UFC Highlights Offer to Train CM Punk Ahead of His MMA Debut

Given the good moment of the two athletes, it is inevitable that MMA fans will once again dream of a duel of champions. And Aldo also welcomes a possible fight against Pettis. “For me it would be a dream. If they score it will be great, but I'll leave it up to them [UFC], whoever they put in I'll accept,” said Aldo, in an interview with the “Combate” channel website.

Aldo recognizes, however, that Pettis' next opponent for the belt, by merit, should be Khabib Nurmagomedov. “There’s already the Russian in line there too, he’s a deserving guy. I’m the guy who waits and if they put me in it will be great, otherwise I’ll continue at featherweight as normal.”

The featherweight champion also stated that there is a possibility that he will remain at his weight until his final days as an athlete. “To move up or not, it also depends on Ultimate. It was close to happening and it didn't happen. If it doesn't happen, I'll continue my sentence until the end of my career without any problems,” he explained.

Having already faced and beaten most of the top fighters in the weight class, such as Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar e Cub swanson, Aldo says he sees positive aspects with the rise of Conor McGregor. “I think that’s great. It gives a huge twist. The category was stagnant, then a guy like that comes along and everyone wins, because the sales will be huge,” she said.

Aldo and Pettis were scheduled to fight, which would take place in August last year, in Rio de Janeiro, but the American withdrew from the fight citing an injury. Aldo then defended his belt against Chan sung jung and won by technical knockout, while Pettis returned to lightweight and beat Ben henderson, winning the weight title.

[vox id=”25957″]