What Quarantine? Aldo Can Beat Cejudo Without Even Training

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Thanks to coronavirus, most mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters have been forced to put their combat sports careers on hold. That includes Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight contender Aljamain Sterling, who isn’t taking any fights because he can’t get to the gym to train.

Those who do manage to sneak into the gym have been sent packing by the police.

Fortunately for ex-featherweight champion, Jose Aldo, he doesn’t need much time to prepare for his next fight. In fact, the only obstacle “Junior” is facing is his dramatic cut down to 135 pounds, because he only needs a week of training to depose current champion, Henry Cejudo.

“I only need a week of training to beat Cejudo,” Aldo, 33, told MMA Fighting. “I’m more worried about making weight than fighting him. I can be off camp, on vacation, but if you put me in the Octagon with him, I beat him with an eye closed. So, for me, it’s not about sparring, if I only have a month or a week to train, I beat him even if I’m not training. The only problem is the weight, so that’s why I’m eating well. I’m cool about the fight though, don’t worry about it.”

Aldo (28-6) is expected to headline the UFC 250 pay-per-view (PPV) event, currently scheduled for Sat., May 9, 2020 inside Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. That said, there’s no telling if the coronavirus pandemic will be under control by that time.

If the world is still practicing social distancing, UFC is likely to stage the event at an alternate location behind closed doors, like it will with UFC 249 on April 18. The challenge has been finding a city and venue outside the reach of the meddling government.

“I have no problems getting on a plane and travel to fight,” Aldo said. “Wherever that is, I’ll fight. I’ll be doing what I love and will be fighting for my family.”