Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo had “several offers” following his UFC 301 comeback earlier this year in Brazil, but “Junior” is not ready to abandon his quest for a second UFC title just yet. As a result, the Brazilian will return for the UFC 307 pay-per-view (PPV) event this Sat. night (Oct. 5, 2024) at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Where a victory over Mario Bautista will punch his ticket to the next 135-pound title shot.
“I’m looking for a title fight, and that’s what I’m focused on today,” Aldo said at the UFC 307 media day. “I have the dream of becoming champion and I give my all in training for that. I do what it takes, and rest assured that I’m well prepared.”
Aldo (32-8) defeated Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 to remain ranked in the division Top 10.
“I even thought I could go straight for the title, but it didn’t happen, but as I said, I accept any challenge,” Aldo continued. “This is my life, to fight and win regardless of the opponent, Mario or Jonathan. Since the UFC put him, I have to fight. If that’s what I want to become champion, then I’ll face anyone.”
Bautista (14-2), six years younger than Aldo at 31, is the winner of six straight, which includes last January’s decision nod over Ricky Simon at UFC Vegas 84. No question a victory over the Brazilian legend will send his bantamweight stock through the roof.
High stakes for both fighters this weekend in “The Beehive State.”
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 307 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPNN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 307: “Pereira vs. Rountree Jr.” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 307 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.