Jose Aldo discusses his return to UFC 301 and shares his plans for the future in MMA following his fight with Jonathan Martinez

Former UFC champion Jose Aldo is making his highly anticipated return to the octagon this Saturday at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. Aldo, who retired in 2022 after a loss to Merab Dvalishvili, is set to face Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event.

Initially, Aldo was in talks to fight Dominick Cruz, but due to some issues with Cruz’s camp, Martinez stepped in as his opponent. Despite fans clamoring for a matchup between Aldo and Cruz, Aldo expressed that he was more interested in facing someone in the top five of the bantamweight division.

This fight with Martinez is not just about the matchup for Aldo, as it marks the final fight of his current UFC contract. Aldo will become a free agent after Saturday’s bout, leaving his future in the organization uncertain.

While the UFC has expressed interest in offering Aldo a new deal, the Brazilian fighter is focused on this fight and evaluating where he stands in MMA before making any decisions about his future. Aldo emphasized that his return to the octagon is not about money, but about proving himself in the sport he loves.

As Aldo prepares to step back into the cage, fans are eager to see if he can recapture his former glory and potentially set up a future showdown with Cruz or other top contenders in the bantamweight division. Saturday’s fight will not only determine Aldo’s immediate future but also set the stage for what could be an exciting chapter in his storied career.