Jose Aldo’s Bantamweight Run May Be Over After Missed Weight at UFC 315

In a significant development ahead of UFC 315, former UFC and WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo may have fought his last bantamweight bout after failing to make weight.

“It was all going well at bantamweight, I was hitting the target on a day-to-day basis and cutting weight well, but it was my mistake…”
— Jose Aldo

Aldo, scheduled to face Aiemann Zahabi in a bantamweight contest, missed the 136-pound limit by seven pounds, weighing in at 143 pounds at Friday’s weigh-ins. Zahabi, meanwhile, checked in at 135.5 pounds.

From Bantamweight to Featherweight

With Aldo unable to make weight, the UFC swiftly changed the contest to a featherweight bout, with both fighters keeping their scheduled purses. This move raised questions about Aldo’s future at bantamweight.

“I’ve forced too much on this weight… I think I’ve reached a point in my career that it makes no sense to keep forcing [the cut] and taking fight after fight.”
— Jose Aldo

“A bantamweight fight option is off the table completely.”
— Aiemann Zahabi

Aldo himself hinted at a return to featherweight, telling reporters after the ceremonial weigh-ins, “There’s a big chance [I go back to featherweight] for my next fights.”

Weigh-In Drama

• Zahabi’s weigh-in: The Canadian fighter was less than a pound away from making the bantamweight limit when he was informed that Aldo wouldn’t make weight, prompting him to stop his cut.
• Aldo’s weigh-in: The Brazilian legend stepped on the scale at 143 pounds, seven pounds over the limit. He later revealed he was slightly over 139 pounds when he decided not to cut the final three pounds.

So, what’s next for Jose Aldo?

With Aldo’s weight issues at bantamweight becoming increasingly prevalent, a move back to featherweight seems likely. The 36-year-oldDivision has seen numerous changes since Aldo’s departure, with the likes of Alexandre Pato and Chad Mendes vying for the throne. A return to featherweight could see Aldo rediscover his form and challenge for the title once more.

FAQs

• Has Jose Aldo fought at featherweight before? Yes, Aldo previously fought at featherweight in the UFC and WEC, where he held the title.
• What is the weight limit for featherweight in the UFC? The featherweight limit in the UFC is 145 pounds (65.8 kg).
• Can Aiemann Zahabi still make bantamweight? Yes, Zahabi successfully made weight for this bout, suggesting he can still compete at bantamweight.

As the sports world waits for an official announcement from Aldo and the UFC, one thing is clear: the next chapter of one of MMA’s greatest careers is about to begin.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for more updates on Jose Aldo and the world of MMA.