Former featherweight champion Jose Aldo picked up his first win at bantamweight when he edged out Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. The bout took place as the co-main event for UFC Vegas 17 on the final fight card of the year. Moreover, the card had a lot of buzz ahead of fight week as several exciting and fan-friendly bouts were booked.
Aldo made good on his move down to bantamweight and has finally moved past the consecutive losses he accrued. The 29-7 fighter stared off the bout on a high note and was made sure to cover all his bases. ‘Chito’ Vera mounted a comeback as the second round played out. He focused more on being the aggressor.
The body shots of @josealdojunior helped put The King of Rio back in the win column at #UFCVegas17 👑 pic.twitter.com/knEmAdv6c1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 20, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the final and deciding round swung in favor of Aldo as he was able to effectively ground the Ecuadorean fighter. Jose Aldo spent a large portion of the round stuck to Vera like a backpack, and he continued to threaten submissions. When it was all said and done, the former champion from Brazil was confident he had done enough to win.
Chito Vera went completely horizontal to try to get Jose Aldo off his back at #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/NBZtIRpqSh
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 20, 2020
Jose Aldo fires out a massive call-out
Following his signature performance over fifteenth-ranked fighter Marlon Vera, Aldo spoke out to Daniel Cormier on the mic. He made a call-out that has fans excited, and it could be one for the ages. Chiefly, Aldo called out T.J. Dillashaw, who is primed to make a return to action after a two-year USADA suspension.
“As far as the next fight, it will be Dillashaw. We’ve been talking about Dillashaw a lot. Hey Dana, make it happen.”
What’s more, T.J. Dillashaw took to Twitter and made sure he reminded fans that he had his eye on the action.
I heard everyone is calling me out, cause they all know that’s my belt 🥱 @ufc
— TJ Dillashaw (@TJDillashaw) December 20, 2020
January 18, 2021, is the date that will allow fans to see Dillashaw come back to the UFC’s cage. Prior to his departure due to an EPO usage suspension, T.J. Dillashaw was one of the most exciting and fan-friendly fighters on the roster.
Despite his past transgressions, combat fanatics are excited to see him return to a talent stacked 135-pound division. Moreover, fans and MMA media personalities alike came out and shared their views on the call-out. There seems to be a fervent sense of anticipation for the potential booking.
Jose Aldo says he wants TJ Dillashaw. Not a horrible idea. Dillashaw’s suspension will be up next month.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 20, 2020
Jose Aldo says he wants to fight TJ Dillashaw in his next bout and I am 100 percent down for that.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) December 20, 2020
Aldo calls out T.J. Dillashaw. #WouldWatch #UFCVegas17
— Rob Tatum (@RobTatum303) December 20, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jose Aldo called out TJ Dillashaw? I wouldn't mind. To say the least. #UFCVegas17
— Michael Bats (@MikeJBknows) December 20, 2020
Jose Aldo calls out T.J. Dillashaw in his post-fight interview. All in on that, please. #UFCVegas17
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) December 20, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jose Aldo would certainly improve his case for another, and possibly the final title shot should he defeat the former divisional champion. Not to mention, T.J. Dillashaw was looked at as debatably, the best champion that the division had to offer.