Now that the WEC will merge itself into the UFC, featherweight champ José Aldo (18-1) will get his chance to defend his newly minted UFC belt against #1 contender Josh Grispi (14-1). MixedMartialArts.com was the first to report the matchup, but couldn’t confirm the date, noting that the bout would likely happen on Jan. 1st at UFC 125.
If the fight does take place on the UFC 125 card, it would likely be billed as the co-main event with the UFC lightweight title match featuring champ Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard getting top billing. The previous co-main event was to feature heavyweights Shane Carwin vs. Roy “Big Country” Nelson, but Carwin has since dropped out due to back issues.
Versus.com has confirmed that Nelson has been removed from the event card, so a Aldo vs. Grispi bout could certainly boost PPV numbers.
Grispi had been scheduled to meet Erik Koch on Nov. 11 at WEC 52, but will now move up to the No. 1 contender position to face Aldo.
Grispi has won his last ten bouts, including four under the WEC banner earning wins over LC Davis, Jens Pulver, Micah Miller and Mark Hominick. Every victory but one has ended in the first round for Grispi, with that lone victory coming via decision.
Showcasing much of the same record, featherweight champ Aldo has won eleven straight, including eight in the WEC. Since defeating Mike Brown for the WEC title at WEC 44, the Brazilian has gone on to defend his title against Urijah Faber and Manny Gamburyan.
The WEC has two more events left before their merger with WEC 52 taking place on Nov. 11th and WEC 53 on Dec. 16th in Phoenix.