Jose Aldo, Jr. is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 301 on May 4th in Brazil. Aldo will face Jonathan Martinez. The 37-year-old UFC Hall of Famer is coming out of UFC retirement for the first time since August 2022.
Aldo has been “active” as he has had two professional boxing matches since his last UFC encounter. Aldo faced Jeremy Stephens in Milwaukee on April 1, 2023 with the fight ending in a majority draw. He then won a unanimous decision against a Brazilian boxer in an event in Brazil in July.
UFC 301 is a PPV featuring flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against Steve Erceg. The rest of the card lacks star power although there are several Brazilian fighters that should stir the emotions of the crowd. But as a legitimate marketable PPV, this is not one of them. The return of Aldo gives the PPV some name power but this event looks like one that many casual fans may sit out.
Aldo was elected to the modern wing of the UFC last year.
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