Going into 2013 the UFC has taken plenty of criticism for it’s matchmaking decisions. Most conspicuous is the UFC 159 headliner where Chael Sonnen managed to get a Light Heavyweight title shot by fabricating a rivalry with champion Jon Jones. Likewise, Nick Diaz got a title shot at UFC 158 because Welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre “hates” him.
After knocking out Michael Bisping at UFC On FX 7, Vitor Belfort tried to get himself a big fight by calling out Jon Jones and insulting Chael Sonnen. Now two weeks out from his next title defense at UFC 156, Jose Aldo gave his opinion on fighters talking their way into contention:
It doesn’t bother me. I don’t think it’s correct, but it doesn’t bother me. Each person has a way to promote their fight. Each person has a way to create opportunity in their career. It’s not the path I’d like to take but it doesn’t make me mad.
Everyone should go up there and fight. Go through opponents and earn their opportunity to fight for the title. Not talk their way to the title.
On the other hand, former Light Heavyweight champion Rashad Evans’ defends the matches saying “the sport is entertainment as well” and that eventually “the cream will rise to the top” so the best will get their chance.
Both Evans and Aldo are scheduled for fights at UFC 156 on February 2 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. Aldo will headline in a Featherweight championship bout against Frankie Edgar. Rashad will face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in an effort to rebound from his UFC 145 loss to Jon Jones.