A matchup between Dominick Cruz and Jose Aldo is seemingly continuing to slip through the cracks, and ‘The Dominator’ doesn’t think it’ll happen.
Ahead of UFC 301 earlier this month, the returning Jose Aldo claimed that he was originally supposed to be fighting Dominick Cruz in Rio de Janeiro, but Cruz couldn’t be ready for the date.
Instead, ‘The King of Rio’ ended up fighting Jonathan Martinez – who he subsequently dominated over three rounds, picking up the win.
The win on his return marked the final fight on Jose Aldo’s UFC deal, though, and he is now a free agent, looking to negotiate a new deal.
Dominick Cruz doubts Aldo will sign a new UFC deal
The Brazilian has recently claimed that he was scheduled to fight on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul, but decided not to go ahead with that possible fight because he wants to listen to offers from the UFC first.
Ahead of Aldo’s UFC comeback, he made it clear that he desired a top-five opponent, but had to settle for Jonathan Martinez who was just inside the top 10.
“Why would you want to be in the top five unless you’re going to fight for the title? Is he planning on renegotiating his contract for another six fights and going for the title?” Cruz questioned on the Anik and Florian podcast.
The former bantamweight champion went on to doubt Aldo’s desire to re-sign with the UFC, hinting that he came back to secure a win to take into free agency, to better his next deal.
“Or do you want to make sure you secure a win to become a free agent off a win, instead of a loss when you’ve got to face the likes of me, which is a nightmare.
“I’m curious what he does. I’m happy for him because he gets to be a free agent coming off a win. He’s not going to renegotiate, why would he sign for another six fights in the UFC, he’s not going to do that, he’s going to be a free agent.” Cruz added.
Dominick Cruz still awaiting his next UFC fight
‘The Dominator’ continues to be called out by upcoming prospects and bantamweight’s just inside the rankings, looking to add a big name to their resume.
Despite having not fought since 2022 – when he was brutally knocked out by Marlon Vera – the 39-year-old signed a new contract with the promotion.
Although Cruz is currently ranked 13th in the 135lb division, he has previously been removed from the rankings which was assumed to be due to his inactivity.
“When you get pulled out of the rankings, it makes people think something, but I asked to be removed from the rankings because what you hear is ‘You’re holding up’, I’m not holding anybody up because people are going to ask to fight me whether I’m in the rankings or not.” Cruz stated.
The 39-year-old went on to state that he is mapping out his return and plans on returning to action at some point this year.