LAS VEGAS – Jose Aldo turned back the clock Saturday when he picked up his first win in four fights.
Aldo (29-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) defeated Marlon Vera by unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 183. After his hand was raised, “The King of Rio,” like so many other victors, was asked whom he wants to face next. His answer was former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw.
“I don’t have anything personally with T.J.,” Aldo told MMA Junkie at the UFC Fight Night 183 post-fight news conference while sporting a festive Christmas hat. “I just want to make a great fight for the fans. I think T.J. is a great former champion. I think this fight makes sense for everybody.”
Dillashaw (16-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) has not competed since failing a USADA drug test in January 2019. The test, which was a positive flagging for EPO, was in conjunction with his UFC flyweight title fight loss to then-champion Henry Cejudo. A former UFC bantamweight champion, Dillashaw will be allowed to return to action in January 2021.
Callouts aside, Aldo voiced his happiness in victory – something he hadn’t experienced since February 2019. It was his first win at bantamweight in four attempts.
“I’m so happy for today,” Aldo said. “I think I needed to give a great show for the fans and the win, because sometimes, I’ve made a great show but I’ve lost.”
Despite the recent downswing, Aldo said he never lost faith in his abilities. Year after year, he still proves to himself that he belongs fighting at the highest level MMA has to offer.
“Of course, I have a lot of pressure on top of my shoulders. But I’m still training hard and I still want to fight and I want to win,” Aldo said. “Last year, (I) was here in the same time in December, but I lost (to) Marlon (Moraes). I’m here this year and I won. I’m here.”
UFC Fight Night 183 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streamed on ESPN+.