Andre Pederneiras: There's ‘Something Really Big Coming Up’ for Jose Aldo

According to Nova Uniao leader Andre Pederneiras, Jose Aldo has received plenty of interest from all corners of the combat sports world since his retirement announcement.

“Not only people interested in helping him to fight boxing but also from MMA promoters willing to sign him,” Pederneiras told Sherdog.com.

Pederneiras makes it clear, however, that leaving the UFC for another MMA organization never crossed Aldo’s mind.

“Aldo had one fight on his contract with the biggest promotion in the world, where he built all his history. No matter the financial proposal, it wouldn't make any sense for him,” Pederneiras said. “Especially since Aldo is already financially comfortable for the rest of his life. He never considered returning in another MMA promotion.”

When it comes to boxing, however, Aldo’s perspective is entirely different.

“I have no doubt that boxing and muay thai bring much more pleasure to Aldo in his daily routine,” Pederneiras said. “MMA training is not only physically stressful but also mentally. You must be thinking about every possibility in all areas and be well trained in all of those areas. No other sport takes so much from the practitioner. Imagine someone who was able to be on the top for almost 20 years.”

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Pederneiras said that Aldo is currently considering a major offer, but it’s not for a fight against four-time world champion and fellow Brazilian Acelino Popo Freitas, who has challenged the ex-UFC champ many times.

“There is something really big coming up for Aldo. Maybe one day a fight with Popo can be interesting, but it's not at that moment,” Pederneiras said.

Andre also revealed a new brand for his management company, Upper Sports Agency, which is now in partnership with his black belt Gustavo Dantas, one of the first jiu-jitsu teachers of Dana White.

“Gustavo was the first student I sent to teach in John Lewis’ academy back in the days. Dana trained with him long before [he was involved in the purchase of] the UFC, since then they never met. He just couldn't believe when he saw Gustavo backstage on [the Contender Series] on the same night that our won and got signed. Dantas is a great professional and a great character. The kind of person I wanted to be surrounded by.”