Former UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo could be back in action in December, according to a new report by Brazil’s Combate. Opposite him in the octagon? Ricardo Lamas, who challenged for Aldo’s title back in 2014 at UFC 169. Aldo won the contest via unanimous decision.
No specific date has been set, according to the report, which notes that Aldo had hoped to be on the UFC 217 card in New York City. Lamas, however, needed more time. Both UFC 218 (in Detroit) and UFC 219 (in Las Vegas) take place that month, and either could be a possibility.
Aldo (26–3) most recently lost his 145lb title for the second time, this time to Max Holloway at UFC 212 in April. He had won an interim featherweight title at UFC 200 against Frankie Edgar, but was later promoted to the undisputed champion after Conor McGregor was stripped of the belt following UFC 205 last year. McGregor had defeated Aldo in 13 seconds at UFC 194 to win the title in December of 2015, before going on to split a pair of fights with Nate Diaz at welterweight, then capture the lightweight title at UFC 205 in New York. With the division at a standstill, the UFC essentially handed the title back to long serving champion Aldo, but Holloway shocked many by dismantling “Scarface” this Spring.
Lamas (18–5), meanwhile, has won two straight in the UFC, with finishes against Jason Knight and Charles Oliveira. He’ll be looking to avenge his earlier loss to Aldo, and push towards another title shot.
The UFC has yet to officially comment on the pairing.
