Jose Aldo’s former enemies don’t see him losing at UFC 307.

The two-time UFC featherweight champion heads into his second fight of 2024 this weekend, coming out of MMA retirement in May with an impressive victory over Jonathan Martinez. Aldo takes on another young, hungry contender for his return, fighting Mario Bautista at bantamweight.

Bautista (14-2) is currently on a six-win hot streak. Although he is the slight betting favorite, Alexander Volkanovski says it will take an elite fighter to beat Aldo as “The King of Rio” has lost just twice to the very best of the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, including Max Holloway.

Alexander Volkanovski backs former foe to win at UFC 307

Having lost only to former champions and with No. 11 ranked Bautista next, ‘Blessed’ Holloway has not lost faith in the aging Aldo and is confident the former champion will raise his hand again on Saturday.

“He’s an underdog? Oh my god, guys. This is a no-brainer,” Holloway picked Aldo to win on his YouTube channel. “No disrespect to Mario Bautista… But you’re fighting the GOAT, man. You’re fighting Jose, crazy Aldo, man. Anytime you can get Jose Aldo with a dog, you’re doing it, guys.”

From the WEC to the UFC, Jose Aldo remained undefeated for a decade before his title reign was ended by Conor McGregor in 2015, and then again against Holloway in 2017.

Now 38 years old and with a newly signed UFC contract in hand, Aldo is embarking on what looks like a final run at the bantamweight title – a title that former foe Holloway could get behind.

“This guy still moves like he’s 22 years old, man. I just love Jose Aldo. He’s the man. He’s still my GOAT,” Holloway added. “He’s still the legend. He’s still a man. I’m trying to chase records in the featherweight division, so I can’t go against my man Jose Aldo, brother. Aldo, do it, brother. Do it for the vets . Do it it’s for the OGs, Aldo. Go out there and show the world you’re still here.”

“Imagine if Aldo gets a few wins… he could almost get a title shot against Merab,” Holloway said.

Jose Aldo’s last loss came two years ago to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City. Dvalishvili was unable to knock out Aldo over three rounds, but still came out on top with a decision victory.

“Who wouldn’t want to see him against Merab again? Imagine if he gets the Merab fight and wins. That would be insane, man. What a crazy GOAT, man. Never bet against Aldo and it’s free here choose,” Holloway said of Aldo’s upcoming fight against Bautista.

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