According to Nova Uniao leader Andre
Pederneiras, Jose Aldo has
received plenty of interest from all corners of the combat sports
world since his retirement announcement.
Advertisement
“Not only people interested in helping him to fight boxing but also
from MMA promoters willing to sign him,” Pederneiras told
Sherdog.com.
Pederneiras makes it clear, however, that leaving the UFC for
another MMA organization never crossed Aldo’s mind.
“Aldo had one fight on his contract with the biggest promotion in
the world, where he built all his history. No matter the financial
proposal, it wouldn’t make any sense for him,” Pederneiras said.
“Especially since Aldo is already financially comfortable for the
rest of his life. He never considered returning in another MMA
promotion.”
When it comes to boxing, however, Aldo’s perspective is entirely
different.
“I have no doubt that boxing and muay thai bring much more pleasure
to Aldo in his daily routine,” Pederneiras said. “MMA training is
not only physically stressful but also mentally. You must be
thinking about every possibility in all areas and be well trained
in all of those areas. No other sport takes so much from the
practitioner. Imagine someone who was able to be on the top for
almost 20 years.”
Pederneiras said that Aldo is currently considering a major offer,
but it’s not for a fight against four-time world champion and
fellow Brazilian Acelino Popo Freitas, who has challenged the
ex-UFC champ many times.
“There is something really big coming up for Aldo. Maybe one day a
fight with Popo can be interesting, but it’s not at that moment,”
Pederneiras said.
Andre also revealed a new brand for his management company, Upper
Sports Agency, which is now in partnership with his black belt
Gustavo
Dantas, one of the first jiu-jitsu teachers of Dana White.
“Gustavo was the first student I sent to teach in John Lewis’
academy back in the days. Dana trained with him long before [he was
involved in the purchase of] the UFC, since then they never met. He
just couldn’t believe when he saw Gustavo backstage on [the
Contender Series] on the same night that our won and got signed.
Dantas is a great professional and a great character. The kind of
person I wanted to be surrounded by.”