Jose Aldo isn’t done yet. He’s got more chapters to add to his legendary tale. The man’s a former champ in both World Extreme Cagefighting and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Now, he’s stepping back into the UFC octagon. This time, it’s against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301. They’re set to clash in the bantamweight co-main event on May 4, right in Rio de Janeiro.
Aldo’s resume? Stellar. He’s taken down the likes of Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, and many more. At 37, his last fight was in August 2022. Despite a loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278, Aldo’s record is impressive. He’s knocked out 17 opponents in his 31 wins, with 11 of those KOs in the first round.
Martinez, on the other hand, is on a hot streak. Six wins in a row. The 30-year-old Factory X fighter last dazzled at UFC Fight Night 230. He finished Adrian Yanez with a leg kick in round two. Now, he’s 10-3 in the UFC.
But wait, there’s more. The Aldo-Martinez fight is just one of many must-see bouts in May. Akbar Abdullaev vs. Halil Amir is another. They’re set to face off at ONE on Prime Video 22 in Bangkok. Both fighters are undefeated, making this a clash for the ages.
Then there’s Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against Steve Erceg at UFC 301. Pantoja’s on a five-fight winning streak. Erceg, with 11 straight wins, is looking to dethrone him.
Losene Keita and Agy Sardari are also ones to watch at Oktagon MMA 57. Keita’s looking to bounce back after a freak injury. Sardari’s coming in with two wins under his belt.
And don’t forget about Robelis Despaigne vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC on ESPN 56. Despaigne, an Olympic medalist, has stopped all his opponents in the first round. Cortes-Acosta is looking to make his mark after a couple of solid wins.
Adrian Bartosinski is defending his welterweight title against Andrzej Grzebyk at KSW 94. Bartosinski’s undefeated and looking to keep it that way. Grzebyk, a former two-division champ, is eyeing that belt.
Ivan Shtyrkov vs. Gadzhimurad Antigulov is happening at Russian Cagefighting Championship 19. Shtyrkov’s coming off a kickboxing stint, ready to extend his MMA winning streak. Antigulov, with a mixed UFC record, is aiming for a comeback.
Patrick Mix is putting his bantamweight title on the line against Magomed Magomedov at Bellator Champions Series Paris. Mix, with a string of submissions, is facing Magomedov again, hoping for a repeat victory.
Lastly, Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy at UFC Fight Night 241 is set to be explosive. Barboza, a seasoned fighter, is up against the unbeaten Murphy. It’s a fight that could shift the featherweight rankings.
And there’s the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 172. Harry Hardwick vs. Zafar Mohsen for the vacant featherweight title. Hardwick’s on a roll, and Mohsen’s making his promotional debut with a streak of finishes.
So, buckle up. May’s packed with fights that promise non-stop action. Whether it’s veterans clashing or newcomers making their mark, it’s an MMA fan’s dream come true.