With Conor McGregor fighting Rafael dos Anjos in March, and likely fighting Frankie Edgar then this summer, Jose Aldo finds himself the odd man out for the time being. However, Aldo isn’t interested in taking any other fights outside of a title bout, and his manager said this past week that he’s more than willing to hold out until he gets his fight to regain that title.
“What I can say is that that’s our idea right now,” Andre Pederneiras said to Brazilian media (via Guilherme Cruz at MMAFighting.com). “It might change tomorrow, but that’s our idea right now. Aldo believes he has this right, and so do I. He will only fight for the belt. The champion he was, undefeated for 10 years, he thinks he has the same right others had. Some fighters are getting rematches they deserve less than Aldo. If it’s going to be soon or in 10 years, he thinks he deserves a title fight.
“I wouldn’t let [McGregor] move up and take the belt with him, but it’s the UFC’s call, I can’t do anything about it. I have to accept it. I can’t say I’m happy with it, though. I’m not, and Aldo is not happy about it either. But we can’t do anything about it. When you fight for a company, you have two options: leave the company, or accept the condition and wait, try to negotiate what’s better for you, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
Penick’s Analysis: I think we’re going to wind up seeing Aldo stay out until the end of the year to early 2017. The rematch with McGregor will happen, but it seems clear that the timetable and other fights lined up for the Irishman will keep him busy for the time being. If Aldo’s content staying out until such time as the fight can be lined up, then that’s what he’ll do. Given the UFC isn’t likely to make their decision based on Aldo’s willingness to sit out, this is probably how it’ll play out.
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Maybe we’ve soon Aldo’s last fight. Great way to leave things.
Hope he enjoys not getting paid and no one caring.