It has been announced that a bout between Jose Aldo and Marlon Vera is in the works for Novembers UFC 255 card. Set to take place at bantamweight, former featherweight kingpin Aldo looks to get his first win at bantamweight and his first win since February 2019. Vera is 6-1 in his last seven and coming off the biggest win of his career. This was first reported by Raphael Marinho.
Aldo at 135
Despite a phenomenal run at featherweight, including seven title defences, Aldo has looked a shadow of his former self. Following back-to-back losses to former 145lbs champion, Max Holloway, Aldo seemed to ‘bounce back’ at featherweight. With back-to-back knockout victories over Jeremy Stephens and Renato Moicano. He then came up against Alexander Volkanovski and you can imagine how that went…not good.
After dropping to 135lbs (and surprising a lot of people in the process), Aldo faced off against Marlon Moraes. Despite seemingly doing enough to get the nod, Aldo was on the wrong end of the decision. Never fear, however, Aldo got his shot. In more clear fashion, Aldo was dominated by current champion Petr Yan.
Can the 34-year-old Aldo get his first win at bantamweight at UFC 255? Will he be able to turn back the clock and make one more title run? Hopefully, all this will be answered at UFC 255.
Chito Vera
Standing in Aldo’s way will be Ecuador’s, Marlon Vera. Winner of six of his last seven fights, it’s hard to say Vera isn’t on a roll. Despite dropping a decision to Song Yadong, this was up at featherweight. Vera hasn’t lost at bantamweight since 2018.
His latest victory was certainly the biggest of his career. He handed the highly touted Sean O’Malley his first career loss when he TKO’d him in the first round. Let’s not get it twisted, this wasn’t a fluke. Vera attacked the leg, knowing it was a weakness in O’Malley’s game. Although the leg was compromised, which lead to the knockdown, no one mentions the brutal ground and pound Vera dished out. This finish also extended his finishing streak at bantamweight to six.
Vera is money but Aldo is certainly a set up in competition for ‘Chito’ at UFC 255.
UFC 255
The November 21st UFC 255 card is headlined by a flyweight title bout between Deiveson Figueiredo and replacement, Alex Perez. The co-main event also sees a title on the line at women’s flyweight where Valentina Shevchenko squares off against Jennifer Maia.
Other notable fights on the card include Robbie Lawler vs Mike Perry, a rematch between Mauricio Rua and Paul Craig and ‘Mr Viral KO‘ is back when Joaquin Buckley faces Jordan Wright.
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