Unsettled UFC interim featherweight champion Jose Aldo had a positive meeting with the UFC’s head honchos yesterday in Las Vegas, but whether he’ll continue fighting or not remains unclear.
Aldo had become angry with the promotion after learning that his rival Conor McGregor would be headlining UFC 205 against lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez rather than either defending his featherweight title against Aldo or vacating the belt.
In several public rants in the media, the 30 year-old claimed that he wanted to be released from his contract and even suggested that he no longer wanted to fight and was now looking to pursue other opportunities instead.
Speaking to the media following his meeting at UFC HQ yesterday, it appears that Aldo no longer harbors the same level of resentment towards the promotion, but he still seems reluctant to continue his fighting career.
“It was a great conversation,” Aldo told MMAjunkie. “I can only thank the UFC for all they’ve done for me and Dana for the patience.
“I always had my mind made up. When I said something, it was never a bluff. I have an idea in my head and it’s what I always wanted. So … it’s what we talked about. There was no offer, nothing to think. I just gave my point of view. The esteem that I have for them and that they have for me is cool, but I think we need to go our own ways.”
So, it seems that Aldo still wants out, but he did give some indication that perhaps he would be willing to see out the remaining fights of his current UFC deal.
“If there wasn’t a contract or anything holding me back, I don’t think (I would fight again),” Aldo said. “I don’t see myself fighting anymore. I think I’ve done a lot for the sport and I need to go my way. But, since I have a contract with the UFC, I think I need to respect that. I respect everyone, but we came here to have a conversation with them and I think the conversation was great.”
Meanwhile, Dana White stated that, “I love the guy. I’m trying to make him happy.”
It certainly sounds like Aldo is happier than he was before, but not yet enough that he’s willing to reverse course on his desire to leave the promotion where he’s spent the past five and a half years.
However, Aldo repeatedly stated that this was only the “first conversation” between the two parties, suggesting that this sit-down would be followed by more meetings in the future as they try to reach a resolution that’s agreeable to all parties.
