Pedro Munhoz has faced some of the biggest names in the sport, but at UFC 265, he’ll be going up against one of his idols.
Munhoz (19-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) takes on former UFC featherweight king Jose Aldo (29-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) in the co-main event on Saturday, where he hopes to emerge as a title contender.
With both men presenting a gunslinging, pressure-heavy style, Munhoz is expecting fireworks against Aldo, whom he modeled his style after.
“Jose Aldo is an incredible athlete,” Munhoz told MMA Junkie. “I was very inspired by his aggressive style. He came from jiu-jitsu as I did, eventually adding muay Thai. I followed Aldo’s championship run in the WEC and UFC. As a young jiu-jitsu practitioner, I used to get into street fights. It’s what got me inspired to improve my standup skills.
“I don’t know Aldo personally, but I admire him as a fighter. It’s a dream come true to be facing one of the UFC’s greatest champions. We’re the same age, and we only have losses to top talent. I believe the UFC and fans of MMA are very much looking forward to our clash. I think he is looking for another win to add to his legacy. Without a doubt, we’ll have one of the best fights of the year.”
Aldo may not have quite gotten his feet wet at 135 pounds yet, but Munhoz knows scoring a win over such an established and accomplished name can only push him forward.
“The best way to ensure the best future is to live the best possible day-by-day,” Munhoz said. “I give my best with every step, with every new goal. My goal is to always put on a show, and enjoy the present moment. Of course, to get a win via KO or submission against such a great athlete would be an historical feat. And our weight class is full of killers. Every one of them can be champion one day – and so can I.”
Pedro Munhoz: UFC 265 dream bout vs. Jose Aldo will be one of the year’s best fights
