Maybe it’s time for that Jose Aldo vs. Sean O’Malley title eliminator in 2025.
Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo had “several offers” following his UFC 301 comeback earlier this year in Brazil, but “Junior” is not ready to abandon his quest for a second UFC title just yet. As a result, the Brazilian will return for the UFC 307 pay-per-view (PPV) event this Sat. night (Oct. 5, 2024) at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Where a victory over Mario Bautista will punch his ticket to the next 135-pound title shot.
“I’m looking for a title fight, and that’s what I’m focused on today,” Aldo said at the UFC 307 media day. “I have the dream of becoming champion and I give my all in training for that. I do what it takes, and rest assured that I’m well prepared.”
Aldo (32-8) defeated Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 to remain ranked in the division Top 10.
“I even thought I could go straight for the title, but it didn’t happen, but as I said, I accept any challenge,” Aldo continued. “This is my life, to fight and win regardless of the opponent, Mario or Jonathan. Since the UFC put him, I have to fight. If that’s what I want to become champion, then I’ll face anyone.”
Bautista (14-2), six years younger than Aldo at 31, is the winner of six straight, which includes last January’s decision nod over Ricky Simon at UFC Vegas 84. No question a victory over the Brazilian legend will send his bantamweight stock through the roof.
High stakes for both fighters this weekend in “The Beehive State.”
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 307 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPNN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 307: “Pereira vs. Rountree Jr.” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 307 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.