UFC icon wakes up unemployed after winning shock octagon return as he plots contract talks with Dana White
JOSE ALDO is officially unemployed following the completion of his UFC contract.
The former long-reigning men’s featherweight champion stunned fight fans earlier this year by agreeing to come out of retirement to face Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 in Brazil.
Aldo, 37, rolled back the years and produced a vintage performance last Sunday to snap the bantamweight prospect’s six-fight win streak.
The win in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro has well and truly put Aldo back in the title picture.
But a shock crack at 135lbs gold is currently off the table as he’s no longer contracted to MMA‘s top promotion.
The Brazilian said: “Right at the beginning when I asked for this fight, they talked about (fighting for the title).
“And I said, ‘No, calm down. Let’s fight first, let me fight first.
“‘First you have to see. Let’s not rush things.
“‘So let’s go slowly, let’s get there, let’s fight, and let’s put on a performance, and then you know how I am.’
“So that’s what I tried to do. I wanted to fight here first.
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“Now yes, I can sit down with Dana (White) and see what is the best path we can take.”
Aldo has plans to speak to UFC supremo White to try to hash out a new deal, although he’s not ruling out a potential return to the boxing ring.
When asked about potentially boxing Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, the fan favourite said: “Yeah, that can be.
“I received offers. I was sent a contract, but I said no. I’m with the UFC (still), so I need to fight, so I can see how I am.
“That was a big window that opened up for me.
“My life has always been here (in the UFC), so I have to come and sit with them and see what’s the best path I can take.”