Next Opponent for UFC Legend Jose Aldo Revealed

Published 05/21/2021, 5:22 AM EDT

The former featherweight champion and #5 bantamweight contender, Jose Aldo, is all set to return to the octagon soon. In his last outing back in December 2020, the veteran defeated the surging Chito Vera via a unanimous decision and got his first W in the division. He now looks to upset the perennial contender of the Bantamweight division: Pedro Munhoz.

Per Raphael Marinho of Combate, the fight between the two Brazilians is in the works for UFC 265 card, which is scheduled for August 7.

Pedro Munoz is the #8 bantamweight contender as of now. With notable names like Cody Garbrandt, Jimmy Rivera, and Rob Font on his resume, ‘The Young Punisher’ would like to add the name of yet another legend here.

Article continues below this ad

A win over Jose Aldo, who has already fought once for the title in his new weight division, would inch Munhoz closer to the title at bantamweight, a division he’s been active in the UFC since 2014.

Who will further their name in the Bantamweight title picture?

Munhoz has legitimate BJJ skills and possesses heavy hands. He has one of the tightest guillotine chokes in the division. Six of his total career wins have come via this choke.

The Brazilian also possesses really heavy hands. His fight IQ, exceptional striking, and durable chin were on full display against Cody Garbrandt in their fight at UFC 235. ‘The Young Punisher’ has secured six performance bonuses (3 in his last 4) in his UFC career.

Aldo, however, could very well turn off the onslaught of the Brazilian powerhouse he is facing. The legendary former featherweight champion has one of the best Muay Thai skills in the UFC. Aldo’s devastating leg kicks, combined with his uber aggressive yet calculative Muay Thai advances inside the octagon have made him a cherished figure in the fight world. Having ruled the 145ers for a long time, he has his eyes set on the bantamweight throne now.

Article continues below this ad

BREAKING: Amanda Nunes Returns to Action at UFC 265 Against Julianna Pena

‘The King of Rio’ has shared the octagon with the who’s who of the featherweight division. Even in his short stint at bantamweight, he has faced a champion, a number one contender, and a surging young challenger. After his last victory over Chito Vera, Aldo called out TJ Dillashaw for his next fight.

Article continues below this ad

Things in the 135-pound division are chaotic at the moment. The new champ, Aljamain Sterling, would rematch Petr Yan in a much-anticipated bout sometime soon. Cory Sandhagen, who secured a devastating KO over Frankie Edgar waits in the wings for the winner of that fight.

Could Aldo or Munhoz stake claim for the shot over ‘The Sandman’?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Akshit Pushkarna, who has a Post Graduate Degree in Journalism from Xavier's Institute of Communication, is an MMA writer for EssentiallySports. Before his current role, Akshit worked on the Urban Development beat at the Urban Update magazine. However, combat sports always called out to Akshit, who pursued both boxing and wrestling at a regional level before shifting his focus to MMA journalism.

Next Opponent for UFC Legend Jose Aldo Revealed

Who will further their name in the Bantamweight title picture?

Trending

“Looks Just as Confused” – Justin Gaethje Receives Untoward Backlash From Fans After UFC 300 Max Holloway KO

“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flare Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator

Justin Gaethje’s Team Messes Up Mid Fight Before Getting KO’d at UFC 300, Max Holloway Reveals – “I Could Hear Trevor”

“Disrespectful” – Joe Rogan Doesn’t Interview Aljamain Sterling at UFC 300 for Surprising Reason

Meet UFC’s Heartthrob Nina Marie Daniele: Boyfriend/Husband, Age, Playboy, ‘Nina Drama’ and More