Jose Aldo still interested in boxing, but currently focused on reclaiming UFC title

Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo currently only has four fights left on his UFC contract. In the past, the former champ has said that he will move to boxing when this current UFC contract expires.
“Heβs training boxing because he has this dream of competing in professional boxing,β Aldo’s coach Andre Pederneiras told MMAFighting last year. “If it was up to him, heβd fight all of his UFC fights (left on the contract) in three months and go box. He wants to box professionally.β
Now, however, Aldo seems to be changing his tune a bit. Speaking on Brazilβs βGiro Combateβ show, Aldo explained that his current focus is reclaiming the UFC featherweight title, and defending it multiple times.
βAs soon as the contract ends, Iβll decide whether we go to boxing or stay in MMA,β Aldo said (h/t MMAJunkie.com). βBut my dream, right now, is to get the title back. Thatβs what Iβm focused on. Thatβs what Iβm talking to [Pederneiras] about.”
βThatβs what I told my coaches that I want. Thatβs why Iβm training again and keeping everyone motivated. I know I have a chance, I have the skill, and I want to win (the title) again.β
Over the last week, Aldo has expressed interest in a UFC 224 showdown with surging featherweight knockout artist Jeremy Stephens. If this bout with Stephens occurs, it’ll be Aldo’s first non-title fight in aeons.
“Itβs different,β Aldo said. βBut I think Iβve been so used to it for so long, that I kind of miss it a little bit. But, of course, Iβm a fighter. Weβd prepared for that possibility. Iβm training to do three rounds now. But, hopefully soon, with a win, I can move up slowly and fight for that title again.
βAnd then things will get back to how they should be: Me being champion and then defending the title multiple times again.β
Do you think Jose Aldo can reclaim the UFC featherweight title?
This article first appeared onΒ BJPenn.comΒ on 3/11/2018.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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Jose Aldo