Jose Aldo: "Because of the name Florian holds in US...I think he is the next opponent of mine"
by Hubert Lau on June 14, 2011

Jose Aldo believes that Kenny Florian, who is fresh off of a decision victory over Diego Nunes, will be his next opponent according to fightersonlymagazine.co.uk.

"This is my expectation. No doubt I think this is going to be a tough confrontation. Because of the name Florian holds in US, I guess this will be a marketable fight so I think he is the next opponent of mine," Aldo said on fightersonlymagazine.co.uk.

Complementing Aldo's statements, Dana White also acknowledged that Florian will be a likely opponent for Aldo during the post fight press conference at UFC 131.

Florian debuted in the featherweight division this past weekend after spending time in four different weight classes over his 10 year MMA career. Florian battled back from a rocky first round to a unanimous decision victory over Nunes, who is ironically Aldo's training partner at Nova União.

Aldo currently sits atop the featherweight division as the three time defending champion. If an Aldo vs. Florian title fight materializes, it should occur in late 2011 as Aldo recovers from injuries sustained in his bout with Mark Hominick.

 |  (56) Comments Lay'n'PrayNINJA: It is his name that will get him the shot. Keeny should have to earn a title shot in a new weight class, but Zuffa operates of more than just W/L for their decisions. As like in 99/100 questions, MONEY is the answer. GO HARD: Aldo vs Florian... i think we would see the best Aldo we have ever seen. with that said.. i too think Florian vs Mendes should be made for the contender spot. Florian is alot like aldo... if mendes gets past florian than we know he is a true threat to the champ. seedheadondatrak: Aldo beats them both. flyangler: Why is everybody forgetting that Mendes chose to forgo his title shot and fight as apposed to waitng for Aldo to get healthy. A title challenge fight between Kenflo and Mendes would then make Aldo have to wait an extended period of time. Hioki shouldn't come right into a title shot either.. Florian is the right choice and also the best 145 lber worthy of a title shot. Wandering_Minstrel: Mendes or Kenny (at present) are really the only two fighters at 145 that present a serious threat to Aldo. Kenny's biggest weakness is succumbing to the pressure of a title fight and Mendes lacks standup skills/experience. However, both have the skills to present Jose with problems. Kenny will have a size advantage and has an excellent standup/BJJ skillset while Mendes has the best wrestling base at 145. mike5k: They have to make fights that generate interest and sell tickets and pay per view buys. Florian is the only guy in the division that does that right now. That's all there is to it. IwishIwasMMA: I think Kenny should have to fight someone else. GO HARD: agree'd as well. yes kenny will get it because of the money and garbage that goes with it... but all in all, i think he needs another fight. give aldo a less known name that deserves it more. it aint that hard to find. mike5k: I know it's happened before. I said it's "not common practice." In Silva's case, he had one fight before getting his shot and if I remember correctly he only got the shot at that point because of an injury to Franklin's original opponent. I could be wrong about that. SicJits: So have Kenny and Hioki fight, i still say Kenny will win, and then he'll get the shot. SicJits: Still curious to see how Hioki does against a high level wrestlers with sub defense, and won't be sold on him until JujitsWho: I'd like to see Kenny vs. Warren. I think Kenny wins personally, but the striking would be fun to watch
HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
TAKE ANOTHER POLL!