Jose Aldo outlines remaining goals ahead of UFC 237

Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is set to return to action on the main card of the UFC 237 this Saturday in Rio de Janeiro (learn how to watch here). He’ll battle streaking contender Alex Volkanovski in a perceived number-one contender fight.

While Aldo still resides amongst the very best featherweights in the world, he’s made no secret of the fact that his time in the UFC is drawing to a close.

Speaking to Combate ahead of this UFC 237 fight, Jose Aldo outlined what he hopes to accomplish between now and the end of his UFC run.

“First of all, I have to win on Saturday, I have to respect my opponent,” Aldo said (transcription via Bloody Elbow). “I have multiple scenarios in my head. If I’m in the UFC, I’ll always pursue the belt. That’s what it was like in the WEC, it’s not any different in the UFC. I like to look at some champions as role models. I saw Georges St-Pierre quitting when he was in his prime. It was always a dream of mine to become a champion and then stop. Everything can change. First, we need to focus on the task at hand, win and then see if I’ll fight for the belt or do a super fight. One thing is for sure, I don’t see myself fighting for many more years, like other fighters. I’m preparing myself not to go down that path.”

After losing back-to-back bouts to reigning UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, Aldo rebounded with consecutive stoppage victories over respected featherweight contenders Renato Moicano and Jeremy Stephens. The former champion, widely regarded as the best featherweight fighter of all time, is an incredible 28–4 overall.

Do you think Jose Aldo will pick up another victory in his native Rio de Janeiro this weekend?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 5/9/2019.