Jose Aldo and Alexander Volkanovski, look to be dance partners for UFC 237. A report from Farah Hannouh first broke the news. It was then confirmed by ESPN. The matchup has the makings of a potential featherweight title eliminator. Both fighters have been red hot of late and a victory here could position either as the undisputed top contender to Max Holloway’s featherweight title.
Jose Aldo vs. Alexander Volkanovski is all but set for UFC 237 in Rio. First reported by @farah_hannoun. More: https://t.co/qLB96zV4XV
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 5, 2019
The Stakes for Aldo
While Aldo (28-4, 10-3 UFC) is adamant about his intentions to retire by the end of 2019, his performance of late suggests a different narrative. Following back-to-back KO losses to reigning champion Max Holloway, he has seemingly turned back the clock. Consecutive finishes over top contenders Jeremy Stephens and Renato Moicano assert so.
A victory over Volkanovski at UFC 237 would give Aldo 3 consecutive wins over opponents ranked in the top five. That kind of sustained brilliance would force the UFC’s hand in a way that’s rarely been seen. And despite Aldo’s intentions to retire, it’s hard to believe that he doesn’t want one more crack at Holloway for a chance to lay claim to featherweight GOAT status.
The Stakes for Alexander Volkanovski
Since joining the UFC, Alexander Volkanovski (19-1, 6-0 UFC), has been running through the UFC’s featherweight division like a tidal wave. That wave crested at UFC 232. Where the former Rugby star earned a spectacular second-round finish of Chad Mendes; sending him into retirement. Volkanovski now seems to be on the brink of his first career title fight. A victory over Aldo, the division’s top-ranked contender, would leave little doubt that he should be next in line for Holloway.
UFC 237
With the announcement of Aldo vs. Volkanovski, UFC 237 is shaping up quite nicely. The Card is being headlined by Rose Namajunas defending her strawweight title for the second time against Jessica Andrade. Other notable bouts include Jared Cannonier vs. Anderson Silva.
