Jose Aldo (pictured) will likely face Anthony Pettis at Rio de Janeiro’s HSBC Arena on Aug. 3. Photo by Erik Fontanez for GRACIEMAG.com.
Jose Aldo will likely defend his UFC featherweight title against Anthony Pettis in Rio de Janeiro, according to reports on Tuesday.
The 145-pound title fight is reported to take place at HSBC Arena on on Aug. 3.
Aldo (22-1) accepted the fight with Pettis (16-2), a former WEC lightweight champion, after UFC President Dana White was quoted in saying that the champ and his manager, Andre Pederneiras, didn’t feel the challenger deserved the title shot. This lit a fire under Aldo, and he accepted the fight, telling SportTV that “heads will roll” once the fight happens.
Pettis will drop down from the 155-pound division to face Aldo at 145 pounds. The striker earned the shot by immediately texting White after Aldo beat Frankie Edgar at UFC 156. The quick request by Pettis for a shot at Aldo was met with a positive response by the UFC boss, and the fight was booked shortly thereafter.
UFC officials have yet to confirm Rio as the city and HSBC Arena as the venue. Tatame.com was first to report news of the location.
