Oh, Jose Aldo. The man’s practically a legend in the UFC, and here he is, at the brink of his contract’s end. He’s got options, sure. Loads of them. Yet, he’s not even peeking over the fence at other MMA promotions. Why? Well, despite those juicy, lucrative offers waving at him, he’s got his eyes set elsewhere.
And then, boom! Retirement news hit us like a left hook out of nowhere. After a unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022, which cut short his three-fight winning streak, Aldo hung up his gloves. Or so we thought. The plot thickens, folks. “Junior” is lacing up once more to face Jonathan Martinez in a bantamweight clash. This showdown’s happening in Rio de Janeiro, at UFC 301, this Saturday. Talk about a comeback!
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Aldo’s spilling the beans on his contract situation. This fight with Martinez? It’s his last under the current UFC deal. And renewal? Not on his mind, at least not yet. He’s got his sights on something else, maybe even boxing. “Yeah, this is my last fight on my contract,” Aldo spilled to CBS Sports. He had chats with Sean Shelby and Dana White earlier in the year about a new deal. But Aldo? He’s playing hard to get. Wants to prove a point in the octagon first, show what he’s still got. And if boxing comes calling, he’s all ears.
But wait, there’s more. Aldo’s not just a hot commodity in MMA. The boxing world’s got its eyes on him, too. And yet, despite the big bucks and the allure of the squared circle, Aldo’s heart seems to be with the UFC. “We’ve been reached out by other organizations and offered big million-dollar purses and things like that. But it’s really not a matter of financial decision,” Aldo said. He needed a break, wanted to chase his boxing dream, but the UFC? It’s home. And as for fighting elsewhere, it seems like a distant thought.
So, what’s next for Aldo? Only Saturday’s fight will tell. But one thing’s for sure, the man’s got options, and the MMA world will be watching closely. Will he stay, or will he go? Only time, and perhaps the outcome of UFC 301, will reveal the next chapter in the storied career of Jose Aldo.