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Reigning UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo may end up getting his wish to fight MMA legend Jose Aldo after all, as the promotion is targeting a meeting between the two this May in Brazil.
That’s according to UFC president Dana White in a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto (shown below). The potential 135-pound clash was originally reported by Brazilian news outlet Combate.
Dana White just conformed to me a report from @combate they are working on setting up a 135-pound title fight between Henry Cejudo and Jose Aldo in May in Brazil.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 17, 2020
Cejudo, 32, has quickly transformed into one of hottest fighters in the sport today. After defeating Demetrious Johnson via split decision back at UFC 227 to claim the undisputed UFC flyweight title, Cejudo made his first title defense five months later and ended up knocking T.J. Dillashaw out in just 32 seconds. In his most recent bout, Cejudo finished red-hot bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes via second-round TKO to claim the vacant 135-pound crown and become the newest UFC double champ (he was later stripped). With the MMA world at his fingertips in 2020, “Triple C” is aiming to take out a true legend of the sport on his way to becoming a certified star.
Aldo, 33, tempted retirement at the end of 2019 before changing his plans and dropping down to the bantamweight division. The former UFC featherweight champion did not win in his 135-pound debut as he lost to the aforementioned Moraes via split decision at UFC 245, but the Brazilian legend showed enough promise at his new weight to convince the promotion he deserves another title shot. After all, Aldo remains one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
While nothing has been made official, Cejudo vs. Aldo is expected to take place at UFC 250 on May 9 live on ESPN+ PPV from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and will serve as the main event.
Stick with Mania for ongoing Cejudo vs. Aldo fight news.