Jonathan Martinez relishes the opportunity to face Jose Aldo at UFC 301.
UFC Hall of Famer Aldo (31-8 MMA, 13-7 UFC) will come out of retirement to face Martinez (19-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) on May 4 at Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro (pay-per-view, ESPN+).
With UFC 301 needing another big fight, rumors emerged of a potential fight between former champions Aldo and Dominick Cruz. Martinez admits he was surprised to get the call.
“I never thought I was going to fight Jose Aldo, but it’s a big name, and I’ll be ready for it,” Martinez told MMA Junkie Radio.
Martinez is on a six-fight winning streak, including leg-kick finishes of Cub Swanson and Adrian Yanez. Aldo isn’t currently ranked at bantamweight, but Martinez knows the value of fighting the former featherweight champion.
“It’ll help me a lot just because he’s a big name, and a win is going to open a lot of doors,” Martinez said. “That’s the way I see it.”
Martinez will have to withstand the rowdy Brazilian fans, who will be cheering for “The King of Rio.” But for Martinez, who hasn’t competed in front of a large crowd since February 2020, a booing crowd is better than no crowd.
“Honestly, I’m ready for the boos just because I’ve been fighting at the Apex for a long time,” Martinez said. “Hearing boos to me is going to feel like they’re cheering for me.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.
UFC 301’s Jonathan Martinez believes win over Jose Aldo will ‘open a lot of doors’