Aldo at a press conference after UFC Calgary. Photo: Reproduction / Youtube ufc
José Aldo made peace with victory at UFC Calgary, an event held last Saturday (28), in Canada. The Brazilian, who was coming off two consecutive defeats and losing the featherweight belt, was not aware of Jeremy Stephens and knocked out the North American in the first round. The result marked the recovery of the 'People's Champion', who received harsh criticism and even requests for him to retire.
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With all these elements, the triumph against Stephens had a special flavor for Aldo. The fighter revealed the importance of the victory and the pressure he was under before the fight. “I consider this victory one of the most important of my career. Everyone wanted to know how I would behave. I showed my value, what I am capable of. It was a lot of pressure, and I knew that everything depended on me”, said the Brazilian at the press conference after the event.
The return to winning ways puts Aldo back in the running for the featherweight belt. Despite having suffered two consecutive defeats to the current champion Max Holloway, the Hawaiian is not expected to return to the octagon anytime soon, as he is dealing with serious health problems. As a result, it is expected that the interim title will be put into dispute with Brian ortega, first challenger, and, possibly, the Brazilian.
“This victory puts even more pressure on the matchmakers (responsible for matching fights), I showed that I am alive in the category, hungry for fights, wanting to be champion again. I deserve to always be top of mind. I have a contract and I hope to finish it by becoming champion,” he said.
Return to Canada
The history of José Aldo in the UFC passes through Canada. It was in the North American country that he debuted in the octagon in 2011, defeating Mark hominick. Afterwards, in the most delicate moment of his career, the Brazilian had ample support from the local fans to defeat Jeremy Stephens. With so much support, the 'People's Champion' is already thinking about returning to the octagon at the event taking place in Toronto, in November
“It’s a big possibility. Let's sit down with everyone and see what the biggest possibility is, but November is a good time. I wanted to fight until the end of the year. If I have the opportunity to return to Toronto, for me, it will be special”, he concluded.
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