Jose Aldo expressed deep dissatisfaction with his performance against Mario Bautista, vowing to focus on his skills and be more aggressive in his upcoming fight against Aiemann Zahabi, as he aims to return to his championship form.
Jose Aldo isn’t thrilled with his performance against Mario Bautista. He avoided discussing the fight for a while, calling it a “sh*tty” 15 minutes of inaction at UFC 307. Now, he’s set to face Aiemann Zahabi on May 10, as UFC 315 heads to Canada.
Reflecting on his past match, Aldo admitted his frustration. “I focused on myself, my skills,” he said in Portuguese. “The last fight was so fcking shtty. People expect big fights from me, and that didn’t happen.”
Instead of obsessing over his opponent’s moves, Aldo decided to hone his own skills. “That’s how I became champion,” he explained. “I was pissed at myself. I know I can do more.”
Aldo acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and the UFC. “I’m well-paid to do my job. Win or lose, you have to perform,” he stated. “The fight was ugly, and I was so pissed.”
Coming out of retirement, Aldo faced Jonathan Martinez and Bautista. His upcoming match against Zahabi surprised fans. Yet, Aldo wasn’t shocked, criticizing athletes who avoid lower-ranked opponents.
“To be champion, I have to use my skills,” Aldo said. “Martinez was a great fight. The Mario fight? Not so much. I need to do better and knock him out.”
Aldo doesn’t blame the UFC. “I’m like wine; I get better with age,” he remarked. “I won’t choose opponents or fight like two fat retired fighters.”
He promised aggression against Zahabi and took a jab at Merab Dvalishvili, who beat him in 2022. “Even the champion is afraid to fight me,” Aldo said. “I know what I’m capable of.”