Cory Sandhagen Pushes Back on Jose Aldo UFC Bantamweight Title Shot Chatter

While Jose Aldo’s UFC 301 win over Jonathan Martinez was undoubtedly impressive, bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen disagrees with the idea of awarding the former champion a title shot next.

Although Aldo had hung up his gloves following a unanimous decision loss against Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022, “Junior” recently ended his retirement to co-headline UFC 301 UFC 301 in Brazil. Aldo denied the odds to score a shut-out unanimous decision victory at Farmasi Arena on May 4.

While Aldo’s fight against Martinez was the last on his Ultimate Fighting Championship contract, the Brazilian is open to re-signing with the promotion if they match his best offers. “King of Rio” is also hoping to jump the queue for a title shot straight away.

Jose Aldo said at the post-fight presser that he has completed his UFC deal but the promotion still has the option to match whatever offer he gets so he will sit with Dana White to discuss his future. He liked the idea of skipping the line straight for the bantamweight title.

— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) May 5, 2024

However, Sandhagen believes Aldo’s win over No.12-ranked Martinez is just not enough to warrant a title shot next.

“Oh no way [should Aldo fight Sean O'Malley next] man. I love Aldo; Aldo’s the absolute man. But you don’t get to come back from retirement, beat a guy way down in the rankings, and then just fight for the belt,’ Sandhagen said on The MMA Hour. “I like Aldo but definitely not. There’s too many good guys in the division for that to be the case.”

No.1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili is expected to get his long overdue title shot against O’Malley next. Meanwhile, Sandhagen is scheduled to take on undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0) in a title eliminator at UFC Abu Dhabion Aug. 3.