MMA
Exclusive: UFC legend José Aldo looks back on glittering career
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José Aldo (32-9) will face Canadian Aiemann Zahabi (12-2) at UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10, writing the latest chapter in a glittering career for the former featherweight champion.
But even though Zahabi will be fighting in front of his compatriots, the "King of Rio" boasts many fans around the world and expects the Bell Centre to be a home away from home.
"I can fight anywhere in the world today because of the name I’ve built and the history I’ve made in MMA," Aldo told DAZN News. "I will always feel at home, with the fans always supporting me.
"So I always have a strong crowd behind me, but it’s normal, it’s my first time fighting in Canada. I know I have thousands of fans there, and I can only be grateful for all the love from the Canadian people."
At 38, Aldo is a monument of MMA. The former featherweight ruler, now fighting in bantamweight, has left a legacy in the sport.
"When I look back and see the legend I’ve become in the global scene, it always reflects positively for me," he said. "I think I’ve had a great career, where I was able to be the champion, make several defenses, and achieve these goals."
It is a grandiose career that is not ready to be over, Aldo confided. Having moved up to bantamweight after conquering featherweight, there is another title to attain.
"I hope that tomorrow, when I retire, I’ll be able to talk about my second belt," Aldo said. "I’m really happy with everything I’ve built. I think today, the world can be my fan because of everything I’ve done."
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- April 26: Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn
- May 2: Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero; Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez; Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
- May 3: Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull
Arch rivals Eubank Jr. and Benn finally go head-to-head to start the exhilarating week, with PPV prices at £21.99 in the UK; $24.99 in the US; €24.99 in Europe.
Garcia vs. Romero and Canelo vs. Scull fight nights follow, which will both be exclusively on DAZN. These two PPV's prices are yet to be confirmed.
