Jose Aldo News: Wife Says Aldo Forced To Fight At UFC 189; Brazilian Champ May Retire After UFC 194
Reigning undisputed UFC featherweight champion José Aldo was allegedly forced to fight injured at UFC 189 in July, according to his wife. A training partner of his also believes he may likely retire after this weekend's UFC 194 card.
Aldo was originally slated to fight McGregor on July 11th, but a rib injury two weeks prior forced him out of the contest. Instead, two-time title contender Chad Mendes stepped in as replacement. Because of his last-minute pull out, Aldo received a ton of criticism, particular from McGregor.
And apparently, UFC president Dana White was still adamant in making him fight, despite being hurt.
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In an interview by Brazilian media outlet Combate (translated by MMA Fighting), Aldo's wife Vivianne Pereira recalled the conversation his husband had with the UFC executive.
"And Dana calling, talking about numbers," she said, recounting how the talks went. "'It's millions of dollars that you are losing. You have to fight. You never made this in your life.'"
Pereira did confirm that her husband was really injured during that camp, arguing that there was a video of how it happened. The report adds that she felt the UFC's sudden pressure of finding a replacement was what forced White to have the conversation with Aldo.
Meanwhile, one of Nova Uñiao's training partners believes Aldo will be retiring after this weekend's assignment. Two-time K-1 Max kickboxing champion Andy Souwer flew in from the Netherlands to train with Aldo for his fight against McGregor.
In a report by MMA Fighting, Souwer says Aldo will call it quits after December 12th.
"So I think he's done with it," Souwer said. "And ready. I will agree. Whatever he is thinking, it's his decision. But I think it will be good for him."
UFC 194 will be co-headlined by middleweight champion Chris Weidman, who defends his title against former Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold.
