Since 145-pound champion Max Holloway is moving up to lightweight for the time being in an attempt to win the interim title at 155 pounds, it means the featherweight division is open for the taking and two of the division’s best are set to meet at UFC 237.
Former champion Jose Aldo will have the support of the home crowd in Rio de Janeiro as the Brazilian looks to halt the incredible momentum of rising contender Alexander Volkanovski, according to multiple reports.
The matchup was first reported by MMA journalist Farah Hannoun with an official announcement from the UFC expected in the near future.
After back-to-back TKO losses to Holloway in 2017, Aldo (28-4) has rebounded with a pair of impressive stoppage wins. He outclassed Jeremy Stephens last July and overwhelmed Renato Moicano with a vintage performance in early February.
Volkanovski, like most who watched Aldo put away Moicano, was hugely impressed with the performance and offered his congratulations. He then issued a respectful challenge, tweeting to Aldo “let me know if you looking for a quick turn around.”
The 30-year-old Australian is 19-1 in mixed martial arts with that lone loss being in his fourth pro fight in 2013. He is 6-0 since debuting in the UFC late in 2016 and is coming off a TKO win over Chad Mendes, which forced the three-time title challenger into retirement.
Aldo is the No. 1-ranked contender at 145 pounds, while Volkanovski is currently ranked fourth in the division and a win could potentially earn him a title shot.
The UFC 237 main event has yet to be announced.
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