Jose Aldo has caused a bit of a stir in MMA, by reporting he’s interested in moving down to 135 to fight champion Henry Cejudo. Is the champ-champ interested? Yes. Yes he is.
Aldo’s surprising statements
For years there’s been talk about the Aldo changing weight classes at some point, but all that talk was about the legendary featherweight moving up to lightweight. In fact, back when Aldo was the reigning, 145 king, there was extensive speculation about him fighting at 155 (and even facing Anthony Pettis).
Well, recently Aldo spoke with the Brazilian outlet, Combate.While doing so, the star said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):
“I sat down with everybody, did a study, and I think there’s a real possibility I can make 61kg [135 pounds],” Aldo said. “This is the new division I want to move to, and I’m asking for the title shot right away. That’s what matters for me now. Cejudo said he’s open to (fighting) anyone, so I’m open to that. I want the opportunity to fight against him and beat him.”
Cejudo’s response
Since then, Cejudo spoke with MMA Junkie. While discussing his next bout, and the fact Dana White has said he believes a rematch with Joseph Benavidez at 125 makes sense, Cejudo said this:
“Dana White can say what he wants, but at the end of the day I own two weight divisions,” Cejudo said. “I own the 125-pound, I am the kingpin at the flyweight division and bantamweight division, and there’s a lot of big names. It ain’t just Joseph Benavidez. You think I want to cut another 25 pounds? We just heard Frankie Edgar is making the way down. If you guys didn’t see the message I had, you can go and look at it. Go on my Twitter because I mean business.
“The other one is – Jose Aldo said it today. He called me out. He’s coming down to 135 pounds. There’s a lot of great excitement in the bantamweight division and the announcement will be made tomorrow night on ESPN.”
How about that huh? Now, Cejudo’s interest in fighting Aldo or Edgar isn’t surprising, as the decorated wrestler has made it clear he wants a big fight next. But, if Cejudo’s saying an announcement regarding his next bout is being made tonight, that is somewhat surprising. The champ-champ is expected to be out the rest of the year, after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The other thing that’s interesting here is Cejudo’s comments about not wanting to cut “another 25 pounds”. Since Cejudo won the 135 title, there’s been a lot of debate about whether he in fact, intends to defend the flyweight belt moving forward. By January 19th, it will be one year since Cejudo defended the 125 belt. So, if he doesn’t defend that belt next, an interim belt at a minimum will be put up for grabs.
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