With back-to-back wins under his belt for the first time in over four years, Jose Aldo is once again a major topic of conversation at 145 pounds.
That was evident on Saturday when several of the UFC’s top stars took to social media to mention Aldo, who defeated featherweight contender Renato Moicano via second-round TKO in the co-main event of UFC Fortaleza. It was the 28th win of Aldo’s illustrious career and his second consecutive knockout victory after finishing Jeremy Stephens with strikes last summer.
Since debuting in the UFC back in 2011, Aldo has only been beaten by two men: Current featherweight champion Max Holloway and former featherweight champion Conor McGregor, the latter of whom expressed a renewed interest after UFC Foraleza in fighting in Brazil someday.
What an amazing atmosphere at UFC Brazil tonight.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 3, 2019
I would LOVE to compete there for all the passionate Brazilian fans at some stage of my career.
I was so close to securing a bout in Rio last year. It was essentially a done deal.
Maybe next time.
Ui Vai Morrer!!!! I’m still here.
At Saturday’s post-fight press conference, Aldo was asked to respond to several social media comments on Twitter, starting with potentially being the man to welcome “The Notorious” to Brazil.
“To me it would be great,” Aldo said. “I don’t know if this fight he said [would be] in Rio, it didn’t get to me, but if I have that opportunity at the division above, that way I don’t have to suffer through the weight cut, I think it would be a great fight.
“I think in the first fight we weren’t able to show my work. He connected with a great punch, but if you have another opportunity, I think the story’s going to be different.”
Aldo and McGregor previously fought at UFC 194, where McGregor authored one of the most dramatic finishes in MMA history by knocking Aldo out in 13 seconds to end the legendary featherweight’s title reign as well as his 18-fight win streak. Both men have mentioned a possible rematch at various points since, but a second fight has never materialized.
The next name brought up to Aldo was top-ranked contender Brian Ortega. “T-City” recently challenged Holloway for his championship at UFC 231, but fell short after he was deemed unfit to continue after four punishing rounds. Though Ortega’s tweet was cryptic, it’s timing led observers to wonder if Aldo would be interested in fighting Ortega.
Well let’s start negotiating.
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) February 3, 2019
“Of course,” Aldo said. “Anyone here who is well-ranked would be a great fight. I put about 15 names in front of Dana (White) and asked him what was the real situation, ... so I gave him a list of names and all those in that list, I’d like to face them someday.”
One of the most direct callouts came from arguably the hottest fighter in the UFC’s featherweight division, Alexander Volkanovski. The 30-year-old Australian has a 19-1 record including wins in his first six UFC appearances. He cemented his spot at the top of the rankings with a second-round TKO win over three-time challenger Chad Mendes at UFC 232.
Volkanovski didn’t mince words, expressly asking Aldo if he wanted to fight him next.
Well done @josealdojunior let me know if you looking for a quick turn around #UFCFortaleza
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) February 3, 2019
Unfortunately for Volkanovski, it wasn’t clear if Aldo was familiar with him.
“Sorry,” Aldo said. “Sorry to that guy. I don’t know, you can be sure that if you want to fight in Curitiba, if I have the opportunity, I’m in.”
Lastly, Aldo was asked if he’d seen a congratulatory message from Holloway that referred to Aldo as the “King of defending champs”.
Not just king of Rio. King of Brazil. King of defending champs. Congrats Ze Aldo. Nothing but love for you my bratha https://t.co/6ijEjBnzvn
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 3, 2019
Holloway has twice defeated Aldo in title fights, but also repeatedly praised Aldo, who still holds the UFC record for the most successful featherweight title defenses. Told of Holloway’s message, Aldo was appreciative.
“I think he’s a true champion,” Aldo said. “I’m happy about it because he deserves to be there, he deserves to be the champion. He achieved it, he’s battled from the beginning. He came into the UFC very young and I think that he conquered that. I have a lot of respect for him.
“He’s got a great story. He’s got a kid too, just like me, I have my family. So we defend that and I’m very happy and I wish him all the best at featherweight or at lightweight. I hope that he continues with his victorious path, always healthy.”