WEC Rising Featherweight Star Jose Aldo Winding Up For A Title Shot

Brazil has produced some of the finest mixed martial artists the world has ever seen. From Anderson Silva to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to Mauricio Rua, Brazil has churned out devastating strikers, dangerous grapplers, and vicious finishers.

Jose Aldo is one of Brazil’s rising star’s, without the famous last name for now. The 22-year-old Aldo boasts a 14-1 overall MMA record and has put together a 4-0 WEC record via four convincing T(KO) wins.

Aldo has quickly become one of the most potent fighters in all of MMA. With heavy hands, world-class jiu jitsu, and the intangible assets necessary to become a world champion, it’s no wonder why Aldo believes he deserves a featherweight title shot. 

WEC General Manager Reed Harris said of Aldo, “I’ve seen a lot of well-rounded fighters, but Jose gives the word ‘versatile’ new meaning. His power, speed and intelligence make him a difficult match up for just about anyone in this sport. This is a guy that can be considered among the pound-for-pound best.”

Aldo’s bout against Cub Swanson (13-2) at WEC 41 will likely determine whether the Brazilian gets a shot at the winner of the Mike Brown-Urijah Faber title fight. If the once-beaten Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt can best the gritty Swanson, he believes he deserves the opportunity. 

“If it was my decision, I’d say that I deserve a title shot,” said Aldo, who admits that his affinity for knockouts was derived from a love of boxer Mike Tyson. “My impression of Cub Swanson is that he is a great athlete and goes on the attack. A win over him would be another step on the way to achieving my goal.”

While he is not overlooking Swanson, Aldo admits that he is completely focused on winning a world title. What’s more, he’s even willing to drop to bantamweight in his quest for a shot at a championship fight.

Jose Aldo wants to fight the best in the world. Whether it’s Mike Brown, Urijah Faber, or even Miguel Angel Torres, Aldo wants to prove that he is truly the top mixed martial artist the world has ever seen. “The bottom line with Jose is that he’s got his mind set on fighting for a world title,” said Harris.

“When he speaks, you get an instant feel for just how dedicated he is to the sport and his quest for the title. We’re excited for his fight with Cub. Cub is another young, rising star and he’s going to put the heat on Jose. We’ll find out on June 7 who rises to the occasion.”

While Brown and Faber may steal the WEC 41 headlines, Jose Aldo and Cub Swanson could take T(KO) of the night honors, with the winner next in line for the featherweight title shot.