Jose Aldo Eyes 2027 Boxing Return With UFC Permission and Spaten Money
Retired MMA legend Jose Aldo says there is a 'high chance' he returns to the ring in 2027 if the UFC grants permission.
Jose Aldo wants back in the boxing ring. The former UFC featherweight champion told media that there is a "high chance" he competes on Spaten Fight Night's 2027 card, provided the UFC signs off on it.
"Boxing is much more possible for us to do," Aldo said, per BJPenn.com. "Money talks."
Aldo retired from MMA but remains under UFC contract with three fights remaining on his deal. He said Dana White has previously indicated a willingness to grant permission for boxing opportunities, which would clear the path for a 2027 return.
The 36-year-old already holds a professional boxing record of 2-0-1, including a majority draw against former UFC rival Jeremy Stephens. His two wins came in Brazilian events, and Aldo has shown credible hands throughout his decorated MMA career.
As for opponents, Aldo floated several names that would blend nostalgia with intrigue. He mentioned Chad Mendes and Urijah Faber as potential matchups that would revive the old Nova Uniao vs. Team Alpha Male rivalry, and also named Anthony Pettis as a superfight the UFC could never put together during their MMA primes back in 2013.
Aldo emphasized that Spaten's compensation is a key factor. He said he will not fight unless the financial terms meet his expectations, a position he can afford to take as one of the most accomplished fighters in combat sports history.
Whether the UFC cooperates or whether Aldo's preferred opponents are interested remains to be seen, but the blueprint for retired MMA stars crossing into exhibition boxing continues to expand.
Aldo boxing again does not bother me, because he can actually box. He is 2-0-1 with real hands, and that draw with Jeremy Stephens showed he is not a sideshow in there. If Spaten pays him what he wants and Dana signs off, good for him.
The matchups he named are the fun part. Mendes or Faber brings back the whole Nova Uniao against Team Alpha Male era, and I would watch either one just for the walkouts. Pettis is the one I want, though. That was the superfight the UFC could never get done back in 2013, and even a decade late it has a hook.
My only gripe is the UFC contract. Three fights left on a deal for a guy who retired from MMA is a leash, and Aldo needs permission just to earn a check. He has earned the right to cash in on his name. Let the man go make his money.
