Jose Aldo expressed significant dissatisfaction with his recent performance against Mario Bautista. He revealed he was so unhappy with the “terrible” 15-minute fight at UFC 307 in October that he initially avoided discussing the bout at all.
With his next fight scheduled against Aiemann Zahabi on May 10th at UFC 315 in Canada, the former UFC and WEC featherweight champion discussed his frustrations regarding the Bautista fight and the adjustments he`s made since.
Speaking at the UFC 315 media day on Wednesday, Aldo stated in Portuguese, “I focused on myself, on my skills, on doing what I do best. My performance in that last fight was terrible, really awful, and I can`t fight like that anymore. What everyone expects from an Aldo fight are exciting matches, where I go in and give my all, and that didn`t happen. It was a poor fight.”
Instead of extensively analyzing his upcoming opponent and anticipating specific attacks that might not materialize, Aldo has decided to concentrate on his own abilities and skills, believing this is the approach that led him to become a champion and how he should continue.
Aldo expressed self-anger, stating, “I was furious with myself. I felt truly bad. It wasn`t just about the fight, but knowing I could do more. Without diminishing my opponent, I know myself. I`m stronger, more skilled than Mario, and I shouldn`t have been passive in the cage, just accepting what happened. I felt terrible, honestly. After that fight, I couldn`t even look at myself or talk about fighting.”
He added, “I know the fans were upset, the UFC, everyone. I`m very well-paid to do my job. Win or lose, you have to perform your job well. I realized what I needed to do to improve for this fight. I need to focus on myself, as I always have. Before, there wasn`t detailed study or the internet saying `your opponent does this and that.` I expected him to do something, and nothing happened, and the referee wouldn`t separate us either. It was a really awful, ugly fight, and I was so mad. Get in there and fight! Win or lose, it doesn`t matter, just go and do the job you`re paid for.”
Following his brief retirement, Aldo returned to compete against Jonathan Martinez and Mario Bautista before being matched with Zahabi, a pairing that seemed to surprise many fans more than his previous opponents. Aldo stated the booking didn`t surprise him, and he criticized highly-ranked fighters who decline bouts against opponents ranked only a few spots lower.
Aldo stated, “To become champion, whether it`s against a big name or not, I have to go in there with my skills and dominate them. The Martinez fight was good; some expected him to overcome me because of my layoff, but I had a great fight. Different things happened in the Mario fight, resulting in that poor performance. Based on who I am, I need to do much better. I should have gone in there and knocked him out. He didn`t have standout skills, no heavy hands, nothing. I saw his strikes coming, but I was just passive and didn`t fight. I cannot accept that.”
He continued, “I don`t blame the UFC either. I`m like fine wine; I get better with age. I`m more explosive, more experienced, faster, and that`s why I must step in and not pick opponents, asking for `a big name`, or engage in a messy fight like two overweight, retired fighters who fall after one punch. That won`t happen with me.”
Aldo promised to be aggressive against Zahabi. He also appeared to subtly criticize UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who won a decision against him in August 2022 using a wrestling-focused strategy that didn`t result in successful takedowns.
Aldo concluded, “I believe I`m at the highest level and have what it takes to become champion. The champion himself seems apprehensive about fighting me, knowing our previous encounter was tough and maybe influenced by the judges` scoring. Everyone is aware of my capabilities. I see it daily in training, performing well against younger fighters. I need to go in there and not fight without intent.”
