Jose Aldo failed to make the bantamweight limit for UFC 315, leading to his fight with Aiemann Zahabi being changed to a featherweight bout, and Aldo is considering returning to featherweight for future fights.
Jose Aldo’s bantamweight journey might be over. The former UFC and WEC champ missed the 136-pound mark for his UFC 315 fight against Aiemann Zahabi in Montreal.
Aldo and Zahabi were set for a three-round bantamweight bout in Canada. But on Friday morning, Aldo weighed in at 143 pounds. Zahabi was lighter. The UFC quickly shifted the bout to a featherweight contest.
After the ceremonial weigh-ins, Aldo hinted at a return to featherweight. He discussed this with his coach, Andre Pederneiras, saying he’s pushed himself too much at bantamweight.
“I’ve always been around 158 pounds,” Aldo said. “Cutting to 135 was doable, but now it’s too much. I love fighting, but featherweight might be better. First, I need to focus on Zahabi and winning tomorrow.”
Zahabi shared his side with SportsNet. He was close to making weight when the UFC informed him Aldo wouldn’t. So, he stopped cutting.
“I was at 136.8 pounds,” Zahabi explained. “We got the message to stop. Jose was 145. We couldn’t have a five-pound difference, so featherweight it is.”
Aldo, however, mentioned he was around 139 pounds when he decided to stop cutting. He talked with Pederneiras, who then spoke with Sean Shelby. Zahabi agreed, and the fight moved to featherweight.
“It was going well at bantamweight,” Aldo admitted. “But I couldn’t hit the final target. I was nearly at 139, worked all night, and then talked to ‘Dede’ in the morning. They sorted it with Zahabi, so featherweight it is.”