Jose Aldo accepting Anthony Pettis fight is right move

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Like his previous challenger, UFC Featherweight champion Jose Aldo has a chance to make history.

According to various reports, Aldo has accepted the match with former WEC Lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis. The featherweight champion had previously refused to fight Pettis because he felt he was unworthy. UFC President Dana White was able to convince Aldo to take the fight, but not without a reward.

If Aldo is able to defeat Pettis, not only will be have successfully defended his title for a fifth time, but also he will receive a shot at the UFC Lightweight championship. Aldo’s previous opponent, former 155-pound title holder Frankie Edgar, would have become the third fighter in UFC history to win championships in two separate divisions. Now Aldo will get that chance.

Even without the title stipulation, the fight between Aldo and Pettis looks great on paper. Aldo’s killer instinct matched against Showtime’s creative striking will leave fans on the edge of their seats.

If there is one advantage Pettis has in this fight, is his conditioning. Aldo has a tendency to go at a hard pace for three rounds and then lose speed and momentum in the later rounds, which is something Pettis can use to his advantage if he is behind. However, the featherweight champion is an animal, and can unleash a barrage of blows that will leave Pettis on the canvas.

As for the grappling, Pettis could control the fight, but Aldo has an extensive Brazilian jiu-jitsu background he does not use, which be an ace up the champion’s sleeve.

Aldo is set to face Pettis in August. If he wins, he could be the lightweight champion by 2014.


Who do you think will win between Aldo and Pettis? Answer with a comment below or send a tweet to @alstover with the hashtag #RantMMA.

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