Tag: Jose Aldo

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, May 7: Jose Aldo returns to top 10

Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro.

Following UFC 301, the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings required updating.

In the main event of UFC 301 at Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] denied challenger [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] to maintain his position as No. 1.

The co-main event produced the biggest move of the week. Former UFC champion Jose Aldo returned to action to fight on home soil, facing Jonathan Martinez. It was a vintage performance from Aldo, who won every round on the scorecards. After his removal from the rankings due to a brief retirement from MMA, Aldo reenters the top 10, landing at No. 7. Martinez, who entered as an honorable mention, maintains his status there.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 298.

Chael Sonnen makes case for Jose Aldo title shot after UFC 301

Chael Sonnen wouldn’t be surprised if Jose Aldo got a title shot after his impressive UFC 301 performance.

[autotag]Chael Sonnen[/autotag] wouldn’t be surprised if [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] got a title shot after UFC 301.

Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) looked in prime form when he shut out streaking contender Jonathan Martinez in this past Saturday’s UFC 301 co-main event in Rio de Janeiro. Aldo fought out his contract but said he plans on sitting down with UFC CEO Dana White to discuss his future.

Aldo said “it would be great” if he could skip the line to challenge bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley (18-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) when asked during the UFC 301 post-fight news conference, and Sonnen can see it happening if O’Malley addresses it.

“I’m going to call for a Jose Aldo title shot,” Sonnen said his YouTube channel. “You’re going to give me a hard time, I understand that. … But, if Sean O’Malley goes on his podcast and gets this going right away – ‘I’m going to get rid of Merab, and I’m going to go right after Jose’ – there is a very possible chance that Jose Aldo goes right into a title shot. Now we’re also drunk on the excitement ride. It’s brand new, and it’s fresh.

“I understand those things, but I could give you examples. Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping. Dan Henderson’s last fight on his contract. Dana White went, ‘Give him another fight,’ and it was a world title fight. So, you will find times in history where an older guy came back and he did something very impressive. Randy Couture, Daniel Cormier. Daniel fought till 41, pushing 42. Fedor (Emelianenko). Let’s just do this, play this game. Stipe Miocic is going through it right now.”

O’Malley is currently focused on No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili, who is expected to be his next opponent. However, if Aldo does get the title opportunity down the line, Sonnen says “The King of Rio” has still got it.

“You counted him out just because of his age. You didn’t count him out for anything else,” Sonnen said. “You didn’t count him out because you didn’t think he was great, or he didn’t work hard, he didn’t have the right training, he didn’t have the right experience. It was just father time came and got him.

“You will not give me one of those guys that exceeded expectations that was a striker. Jose Aldo only struck tonight. Did they ever go to the canvas? If they did, it was so quick that I don’t even remember it. He outstruck a younger Jonathan Martinez, and he did it for 15 minutes. Not to mention he was sharp. Not to mention he was crisp.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Video: Does Jose Aldo have another UFC title run in him?

How realistic is Jose Aldo’s aspiration to win another UFC title? We discuss on the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique.”

On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel reacts to [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag]’s big return win at UFC 301, as well as his potential of becoming a champion once again.

Aldo, considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, returned to the octagon on Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 301. In his comeback fight since retiring in 2022, Aldo defeated Jonathan Martinez by decisive unanimous decision. The former UFC and WEC champion surprised many with the way he looked at 37 years of age. He also let the world know that he’s interested in making another title run if he re-signs with the UFC.

So how realistic is Aldo’s plan to become UFC bantamweight champion? Are there better options for him in free agency?

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, Mike Bohn, and host “Gorgeous” George Garcia discuss Aldo’s big win and what the future may hold for the living legend.

Watch their discussion in the video above and also don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/live/vARR1szSFH4

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Daniel Cormier questions why Jose Aldo ever retired after UFC 301 performance: ‘His speed was still there’

Daniel Cormier says Jose Aldo still has it after UFC 301, and wants to see more from the UFC Hall of Famer.

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] says [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] still has it after UFC 301.

After hanging up his gloves in fall of 2022, UFC Hall of Famer Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) returned against Jonathan Martinez in Saturday’s co-main event in Rio de Janeiro. Aldo shut out the streaking bantamweight contender, winning a unanimous decision.

Cormier was impressed by “The King of Rio” and thinks he still has a lot left in the tank.

“I mean why does Jose Aldo retire when you possess that skill? He stopped at 35 years old, he comes back at 37 and he looks like the same guy that ran the division for many years,” Cormier told ESPN post-UFC 301. “His speed was still there. His commitment to his strikes, his dedication, his mind was still there.

“He just looked as good as we’ve ever seen him look, and he fought a guy in Jonathan Martinez that pushed him in the right spots, and made him fight and raise his level. So, it looks like there’s a lot left for Jose Aldo to do if he chooses to do it, and that is the best situation to be (in) as a former champion and a guy that still has desires of fighting.”

Aldo fought out the final fight on his UFC contract against Martinez. The former featherweight champion did not rule out an octagon return, and said he plans on sitting down with UFC CEO Dana White to discuss his future.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Jose Aldo’s future, Jon Jones calls for Alex Pereira, latest in boxing, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel UFC 301 fallout for Jose Aldo, Jon Jones’ Alex Pereira callout, the latest boxing news and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura and Mike Bohn – along with guest Michael Rosenthal from Boxing Junkie – will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] has still got it. The former UFC and WEC champion was successful in his return from retirement, defeating top contender Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event of UFC 301. This was Aldo’s first MMA fight since 2022, but more importantly the last bout on his UFC contract. So what’s next for the Brazilian legend? Aldo kept his options open, expressing interest in both re-signing with the UFC or going back to boxing.
  • In the main event of UFC 301, [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] defended his flyweight title against [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag]. It was a big win for Pantoja, who’s the only person to log in two title defense wins since Demetrious Johnson’s departure in 2018. We discuss Pantoja’s legacy, along with the state of the UFC’s 125-pound division.
  • It’s been a busy year for the world of boxing. Canelo Alvarez defended his title against Jaima Mungia in a massive event this past Saturday. Ryan Garcia’s bizarre career continues after he allegedly failed an anti-doping test stemming from his big win over Devin Haney. We catch up on those topics and more with Boxing Junkie’s Michael Rosenthal.
  • [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] is back in the news and this time with a out-of-left-field, but interesting suggestion. The UFC heavyweight champion made his interest known for a potential heavyweight fight against current light heavyweight champion [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] – if Jones beats Stipe Miocic in his return. How big could this fight be? Is it even a real possibility? How should [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] take these comments? We break it all down.

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Jose Aldo discusses next career move after fighting out contract at UFC 301

What’s next for Jose Aldo after fighting out his UFC contract? The former champ weighs-in.

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag], one of the biggest names in MMA today, has completed his contract with the UFC and is on the verge of becoming one of the hottest free agents in the sport.

The former UFC and WEC champion made his highly anticipated return to the octagon this past Saturday, defeating bantamweight contender Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event of UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. This was Aldo’s return fight since retiring from MMA in 2022 and also the last fight on his UFC contract.

Well, after proving he’s still a force at 37 years of age, many are wondering what could be next for Aldo.

“Right at the beginning when I asked for this fight, they talked about (fighting for the title), and I said, ‘No, calm down. Let’s fight first,” Aldo said to MMA Fighting and other reporters at the UFC 301 post-fight press conference. “‘Let me fight first. First you have to see. Let’s not rush things. So let’s go slowly, let’s get there, let’s fight, and let’s put on a performance, and then you know how I am.’

“So that’s what I tried to do. I wanted to fight here first, now yes, I can sit down with Dana (White) and see what is the best path we can take.”

Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) plans to keep on fighting and is interested in fighting for the UFC title at 135 pounds once again. He also revealed that the UFC has a matching period to compete with any incoming offers before fully becoming a free agent.

Aldo is looking to sit down with UFC CEO Dana White and discuss what’s next. He’s not ruling out re-signing with the UFC, but also a return to boxing.

“Yeah, that can be,” Aldo said when asked about potential boxing fights against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. “I received offers. I was sent a contract, but I said no. I’m with the UFC (still), so I need to fight, so I can see how I am. That was a big window that opened up for me. … My life has always been here (in the UFC), so I have to come and sit with them and see what’s the best path I can take.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for free agent Jose Aldo after UFC 301 win?

Jose Aldo closed out his contract at UFC 301 with a win over Jonathan Martinez, and now the UFC Hall of Famer has options.

(Also see: Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Alexandre Pantoja after UFC 301 title defense?)

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] returned from an MMA retirement of nearly two years Saturday at UFC 301, and the result went his way.

Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) proved that, despite 20 months away from competition, he still has plenty left in the tank when he snapped the winning streak of the surging Jonathan Martinez (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) by convincing unanimous decision.

With the win, Aldo completes his UFC contractual obligations and can move forward into free agency. What does that mean for him, though? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Aldo’s future after UFC 301.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

UFC 301 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Jose Aldo nets $21k for potential final UFC fight

Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 301 took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $280,000.

RIO DE JANEIRO – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 301 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $280,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 301 took place at Rio Arena. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

The full UFC 301 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Jonathan Martinez[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Vitor Petrino[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Michel Pereira[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Ihor Potieria[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Caio Borralho[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Paul Craig[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Joanderson Brito[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jack Shore[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Iasmin Lucindo[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Karolina Kowalkiewicz[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Myktybek Orolbai[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Elves Brener[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Drakkar Klose[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Joaquim Silva[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Mauricio Ruffy[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Jamie Mullarkey[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Dione Barbosa[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Ernesta Kareckaite[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Ismael Bonfim[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Vinc Pichel[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Alessandro Costa[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Kevin Borjas[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $2,920,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $25,657,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

UFC 301 results: Jose Aldo sharp in return from retirement, outpoints Jonathan Martinez for decisive victory

Jose Aldo turned back the clock with an impressive performance against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301.

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] turned back the clock at UFC 301.

Back in the cage first the first time following a nearly 20-month retirement, Aldo, 37, looked like a prime version of himself over the course of 15 minutes for a decisive clean-sweep unanimous decision victory against the previously streaking [autotag]Jonathan Martinez[/autotag].

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Martinez, 30, had won six consecutive fights until he ran into Aldo, whose top-notch striking performance makes you wonder what comes next. At least for the moment, it has the former two-time UFC featherweight champion highly motivated.

“I have to thank Jonathan for this opportunity. My next step is sitting with Dana, Sean and Hunter and seeing where this goes,” said Aldo, who reportedly fought the last fight on his UFC contract, through an interpreter. “I said that this wasn’t gonna be my last fight. I think I’m in great shape. I still am at the age that I can fight. I see that I can go far, so maybe we can come back in here and be the champion.”

The way Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) performed Saturday night, there’s no reason to believe that isn’t at least possible, although the road would certainly be tough in a stacked bantamweight division. Still, defeating a No. 12-ranked Martinez (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) was nothing to scoff at.

“I’m really happy,” Aldo said. “I know this is what everyone wanted to see. I’m really focused, really well trained. I can only thank my team and everyone that helped me out.”

Up-to-the-minute UFC 301 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Jose Aldo def. Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Jose Aldo’s unanimous decision win over Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag]’s unanimous decision win over [autotag]Jonathan Martinez[/autotag] at UFC 301 at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro. (Fight and venue photos by Jason Silva, USA Today Sports)