Next Opponent for UFC Legend Jose Aldo Revealed

The former featherweight champion and #5 bantamweight contender, Jose Aldo, is all set to return to the octagon soon. In his last outing back in December 2020, the veteran defeated the surging Chito Vera via a unanimous decision and got his first W in the division. He now looks to upset the perennial contender of the Bantamweight division: Pedro Munhoz.

Per Raphael Marinho of Combate, the fight between the two Brazilians is in the works for UFC 265 card, which is scheduled for August 7.

Pedro Munoz is the #8 bantamweight contender as of now. With notable names like Cody Garbrandt, Jimmy Rivera, and Rob Font on his resume, ‘The Young Punisher’ would like to add the name of yet another legend here.

A win over Jose Aldo, who has already fought once for the title in his new weight division, would inch Munhoz closer to the title at bantamweight, a division he’s been active in the UFC since 2014.

Who will further their name in the Bantamweight title picture?

Munhoz has legitimate BJJ skills and possesses heavy hands. He has one of the tightest guillotine chokes in the division. Six of his total career wins have come via this choke.

The Brazilian also possesses really heavy hands. His fight IQ, exceptional striking, and durable chin were on full display against Cody Garbrandt in their fight at UFC 235. ‘The Young Punisher’ has secured six performance bonuses (3 in his last 4) in his UFC career.

Aldo, however, could very well turn off the onslaught of the Brazilian powerhouse he is facing. The legendary former featherweight champion has one of the best Muay Thai skills in the UFC. Aldo’s devastating leg kicks, combined with his uber aggressive yet calculative Muay Thai advances inside the octagon have made him a cherished figure in the fight world. Having ruled the 145ers for a long time, he has his eyes set on the bantamweight throne now.

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‘The King of Rio’ has shared the octagon with the who’s who of the featherweight division. Even in his short stint at bantamweight, he has faced a champion, a number one contender, and a surging young challenger. After his last victory over Chito Vera, Aldo called out TJ Dillashaw for his next fight.

Things in the 135-pound division are chaotic at the moment. The new champ, Aljamain Sterling, would rematch Petr Yan in a much-anticipated bout sometime soon. Cory Sandhagen, who secured a devastating KO over Frankie Edgar waits in the wings for the winner of that fight.

Could Aldo or Munhoz stake claim for the shot over ‘The Sandman’?