Despite the fact that UFC featherweight champion José Aldo (18-1) will defend his new title for the first time at UFC 129, there is still talk of him moving up to 155 lbs.
After his knockout win over Manvel Gamburyan in his last fight at WEC 51 last September, the UFC offered him a lightweight fight with Kenny Florian. After some consideration, Aldo’s camp turned down the fight noting that the Brazilian might move up in weight in a years time.
In a recent interview with MMAWeekly Radio, Aldo’s manager Ed Soares said his fighter would make the move to 155 but it would take at least a year or more before fans saw him face his first opponent at lightweight.
“We could see that in a year, year and a half. He would definitely have to put on a little bit of weight and he would have to put on the weight gradually. I think it would be at least a year before we see him fight at 155…I think when the time is right and the opportunity presents itself, we’ll make the decision. If he keeps performing and keeps putting on the types of performances that he has put on, I do believe that we will see Jose Aldo at lightweight.”
Aldo will meet Mark Hominick, who defeated George Roop this past weekend to earn the title shot, in Toronto as part of the UFC’s first visit to that Province in what should be the biggest event in the promotions history.