Aldo Expects ‘Tough Fight’ With Florian

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This time last week, Kenny Florian had never fought at 145 pounds. Now, he stands poised to challenge one of MMA’s pound-for-pound best for the weight class’ most coveted crown.

At Saturday’s UFC 131 in Las Vegas, Florian outpointed hot prospect Diego Nunes in a hard-fought, three-round affair. Immediately afterward, UFC President Dana White announced that Florian will “more than likely” be the next man to face reigning UFC featherweight champion and Nunes’ Nova Uniao teammate Jose Aldo.

Speaking Monday with Brazilian television program “Sensei SporTV,” Aldo gave his thoughts on his division’s new No. 1 contender, as well as when he expects that meeting to take place.

“I think it’ll be a tough fight. I don’t doubt that,” said Aldo of his matchup with the former UFC lightweight title challenger. “Florian’s name and reputation in the U.S. will make this fight marketable, so I think he’ll be my next opponent, probably in October.”

Aldo, who is currently rehabbing a neck injury, did not specify which October event the title fight could be assigned to. Several options exist, however, including UFC 136 in Houston on Oct. 8, a card in Liverpool, England, on Oct. 15, and UFC 137 in Las Vegas on Oct. 29.