Current UFC Interim Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo’s future with the UFC is unclear at the moment, but that hasn't stopped fighters from other organizations from trying to lure the potential free agent their way.
Former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire was the first to strike, posting a tweet with a fake fight poster with him and Aldo on it.
MMA is not only about UFC. I'm waiting for you @josealdojunior. @BellatorMMA @ScottCoker #whatif pic.twitter.com/8qIkx5z7S1
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) September 28, 2016
Not to be outdone, the legendary Wanderlei Silva wrote a lengthy post on his Facebook page to explain why Aldo should head to Rizin.
"Today is a sad day for the sport," Silva wrote. "One of the biggest names of our sport came publicly to say he’s dissatisfied with the promotion, retirement too young. Aldo is one of the best fighters in history, and he’s going through the same thing I went through, and I know what you’re feeling, Aldo. And why are you feeling that? Because you’re not a guy that fights for money. You fight for honor.
Aldo, I’m here to tell you that I’m with you. I’ve always admired you, the way you behave, and your team," Silva continued. "Once again you’re proving that you fight because you’re a samurai, that you love fighting, not because of money, because you’d make the same money if you were fighting for the belt or not. That shows your character, and gets my respect and admiration. I’m sure every fan all over the world is with you now. As a representative from Rizin, I want to tell you that Rizin’s doors are open for you. I want to invite you to fight in Japan, where you will be respected and put in a place you deserve. As a representative from Rizin in Brazil, I invite you to go there with me so we can make history there together. You will have the respect you deserve there at Rizin, my champion”
Aldo's future in the UFC is uncertain, but if he does return to the company, Max Holloway is angling for a fight with the interim title.
