José Aldo, featherweight champion of the UFC, will face his most challenging career on Saturday in MMA. The Brazilian fighter will face interim champion Conor McGregor in Las Vegas. And although 'Scarface' is the favorite in the bets, there is a negative precedent of Cain Velasquez that could be repeated in his fight.
It turns out that Cain Velasquez was scheduled to defend his heavyweight title against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 180, which would take place on November 15, 2014 in Mexico City. However, a supposed injury to his right knee left the Mexican roots fighter out of the match.
At that time, UFC decided that Fabricio Werdum would face New Zealander Mark Hunt for the interim heavyweight title of the company. ‘Vai Cavalo’ won that victory by technical knockout. In this way, he confirmed his right to face Cain Velasquez for the absolute title of the division.
This fight was scheduled for UFC 188, which took place on June 13 again in Mexico City. Cain Velasquez was already recovered from his injury, but the fact of not fighting for over a year took its toll in the octagon: Fabricio Werdum won the victory by submission after applying a guillotine in the third round.
| UFC: Fabricio Werdum and his guillotine on Cain Velasquez. |
This story is very similar to what José Aldo will experience against Conor McGregor. This fight was initially scheduled for July 11th at UFC 189, but a rib injury prevented the Brazilian from fighting. While the Irishman took advantage of his opportunity, knocked out Chad Mendes and won the interim featherweight title, just like Fabricio Werdum did.
This Saturday at UFC 194, José Aldo will step into the octagon to face the interim champion after more than a year of inactivity, just like Cain Velasquez did at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico. Will history repeat itself at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas?
| UFC: Conor McGregor and his knockout on Chad Mendes |
THE FACT: José Aldo has been the featherweight champion of UFC since November 2009.
By Pablo Bermudez DC
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