As perhaps one of the most dangerous and explosive fighters in the UFC, Jose Aldo is a man in the prime of his career.
There is no man in the lower weight divisions—save perhaps Anthony Pettis—who is as fluid, precise and devastating as Aldo. With 14 of his 23 victories coming by way of KO/TKO, Aldo is capable of finishing the fight at any time.
Dana White must be thanking his lucky stars that he has Aldo in 2014.
Now, all Aldo really needs is a very big push.
For fans of the combative sports, nothing keeps their interest more than a fighter who can end any fight at any time. It’s the greatest currency to be had in such sports, and that is why Aldo can indeed become a global star.
Some things sell themselves; now all he needs is maximum exposure so that more fans know it’s out there, waiting for them.
Thus far, Aldo has only fought in the UFC five times, headlining just three cards. Thankfully, his last three appearances have been in the headlining slot, which shows that the UFC is recognizing him as a man who can deliver the goods.
He’s already a big name in Brazil. Now all that remains is to take him into other markets. He could grow his name gradually in the featherweight division, but he would be better served by moving up to lightweight.
Aldo is a man designed for big bouts: He has already dominated the featherweight class, and a move up in weight would give him a fresh countryside to terrorize.
Fights with Nate Diaz, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gilbert Melendez, Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis could see him become the biggest name the lower divisions have ever seen. When you consider that he could fight for the 155-pound title right away, all that remains is to make sure his opponent gathers some momentum.
Another positive for Aldo in moving up is that the lightweight division has seen the title change hands three times since April of 2010. In comparison, Aldo has ruled the featherweights since November of 2009, stopping four out of eight opponents.
If Aldo could claim the title, he has a chance to grow his name as the man who dominated one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC.
If he were to defend his featherweight title two more times while Pettis defends his lightweight belt, a bout between the two of them would be one of the most exciting and anticipated fights the sport has seen in many years.
It would be the MMA equivalent to Erik Morales-Marco Antonio Barrera, and given how good both men are, it could give us a trilogy worthy of the comparison. Also, as champion, Aldo’s thrilling style would make for exciting fights with Diaz, Melendez and nearly everyone else in the Top 10 at 155.
And Aldo is in command of a style that could beat them all in highlight-reel fashion.
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