Former UFC Featherweight World Champion, Jose Aldo, will return to the octagon at UFC 301, when he will face Jonathan Martinez.
The bout will mark the first time since 2022, when he was defeated by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278.
The MMA legend will return in front of a home crowd on Saturday May 5 when he makes the walk for the 40th time in front of a packed out Juenesse Arena in Rio De Janeiro, in a Bantamweight bout.
Aldo joined the professional ranks 20 years ago, making his professional debut in August of 2004. After building a steady 10-1 record, the Brazilian then signed with the WEC in 2008. Wins against Alexandre Franca Nogueira, Jonathan Brookins, Rolando Perez, Chris Mickle and Cub Swanson led to a showdown for the Featherweight strap against Mike Brown. Aldo claimed his first major title at WEC 44 when he stopped Brown in the second round. He then went on to successfully defend his belt twice against Urijah Faber and Manny Gamburyan before signing with the UFC in 2011.
in his promotional debut. he faced Mark Hominick at UFC 129, and opened his tenure with the promotion in impressive style claiming a unanimous decision. He was back just six months later and drew his first big name in the promotion as he faced Kenny Florian. The Brazlian beat Florian and in just his third fight for the UFC found himself against the unbeaten Chad Mendes for the Featherweight title.
Aldo stopped Mendes with just one second left in the very first round to become the new king at 145lbs. He then successfully defended the title four times before he faced Conor McGregor at UFC 194.
After a lengthy build up, McGregor earned one of the iconic finishes in the sport, knocking Aldo out in just 13 seconds.
Aldo struggled to return to the form and performances fans had become accustomed to seeing, after the McGregor; going 6-6 in his 12 subsequent bouts.
In his return to the octagon, Aldo will face an inform Jonathan Martinez. After going 4-3 in his first seven bouts, 'Dragon' hit a total purple patch in his career and is riding a six fight win streak, with notable wins against Adrian Yanez, Said Nurmagomedov and Cub Swanson.
UFC 301 features a host of Brazilian talent with UFC Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja looking to defend his title against Steve Erceg, Caio Borralho will face Paul Craig and the unbeaten Vitor Petrino will take on Anthony Smith.
