Jose Aldo is open to a lightweight debut immediately after his bout this weekend.
Jose Aldo is fighting Renato Moicano this weekend, but has already spoken about his immediate future. The future hall-of-famer stated that he’s no longer interested in having to regain his title, and spoke about possibly retiring at the end of his contract.
He says he has three fights left, and wants to compete as soon as UFC 237 in Brazil, this May. According to Aldo, he is open to taking fights at lightweight as well, suggesting the long rumored bout vs Anthony Pettis.
“This (Cerrone) fight was very close (to happening),” Aldo said on UFC Fortaleza’s media day. “They offered it to us and I was really happy because we’re both aggressive fighters and it would be a big fight, but the discussion has taken another path now, he’s trying to fight Conor (McGregor) and I don’t see how this fight happens now.
“But (Anthony) Pettis would be an excellent opponent,” he continued. “We were close to fighting twice before and didn’t happen. Having this fight in May, at lightweight, would be even better.”
Pettis has since responded on social media.
“I accept! I love Brazil gonna be a fun year !!” Pettis wrote on Instagram.
If that doesn’t materialize, Aldo said he sent the UFC a list having the entire featherweight top 15 along with other lightweights.
“I put some lightweights there as well, like Dustin Poirier and other ranked fighters,” Aldo said. “All 15 names. Take a look at the rankings and that’s pretty much my list.”