Just weeks ago the Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association (MMAAA) took the mixed martial arts (MMA) world by storm, by announcing their formation which featured some of the biggest names in the sport such as Georges St-Pierre, Cain Velasquez, Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, Tim Kennedy, and TJ Dillashaw.
While the association isn’t the only one out there fighting for better working conditions for fighters, such as the Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association (MMAFA) and Professional Fighter’s Association (PFA), UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has revealed (courtesy of MMA Mania) that he’s actually turned down an offer to affiliate himself with the MMAAA due to his current alliance with the MMAFA:
“(MMAAA) invited me to be a part of this association, but I don’t think everything is clear with this association,” Aldo said. “There are others going on, laws in the American Senate as well, so there’s a lot going on to help fighters. When it’s possible for me to be present and be a part of things that will benefit the athletes, I will always fight for us.”
One reason Aldo was hesitant to join the MMAAA is due to the involvement of former Bellator CEO and President Bjorn Rebney, something that has kept other fighters on their toes regarding the association as well:
“This association was created by a former Bellator president, so I don’t know what’s the real function behind it, if it’s something for the fighters,” he continued. “I’m part of one, too, with Randy Couture, Cung Le, that has an open mind to help fighters, not only the ones in the UFC.”
‘Scarface’ feels that the MMAAA seems a little too focused on only UFC fighters, while other organizations such as the MMAFA are here to help mixed martial artists world-wide:
“Our world isn’t focused only in the UFC,” Aldo said. “We have millions of fighters, trillions of fighters that need help. We won’t fight with a promotion just because we’re exclusive there. I fight for everybody, national and international, no matter where they are. I want to help those athletes. Not only those in the UFC, those that are in the big league and can have a better future, but those in the small promotions and need our help.”
Despite threatening retirement earlier this year, it appears as thought Aldo has settled his differences with the UFC for the time being after being promoted undisputed champion after Conor McGregor vacated the featherweight throne. Now the Brazilian must focus his sights on interim 145-pound champ Max Holloway who he is expected to throw down with in Brooklyn at UFC 208 next year.
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