Max Holloway predicts a huge UFC 307 fight

Jose Aldo's former opponents don't think he will lose at UFC 307.

The two-time UFC featherweight champion enters his second fight of 2024 this weekend and ended his MMA retirement with an impressive decision victory over Jonathan Martinez in May. Aldo takes on another young, hungry contender for his return: He's fighting Mario Bautista at bantamweight.

Bautista (14-2) is currently on a 6-game winning streak. Despite being the slight betting favorite, Alexander Volkanovski says it will take an elite fighter to beat Aldo, as “The King of Rio” has only lost to the very best in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, including twice to Max Holloway.

Alexander Volkanovski supports his former opponent's victory at UFC 307

Having only lost to previous champions and with 11th-ranked Bautista next up, “Blessed” Holloway hasn't lost faith in the aging Aldo and is confident the former champion will have his hand raised again on Saturday.

“He’s an outsider? Oh my god, people. 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, bro. You're fighting Jose fucking Aldo, bro. Anytime you can get Jose Aldo on a dog, do it, people.”

From the WEC to the UFC, Jose Aldo went undefeated for ten years before his title reign was ended by Conor McGregor in 2015 and again against Holloway in 2017.

Now 38 years old and with a newly signed UFC contract in hand, Aldo begins what appears to be a final run for the bantamweight title – one that former opponent Holloway could leave behind.

“This guy still moves like he’s 22 years old, bro. I just love Jose Aldo. He is the man. He’s still my GOAT,” Holloway added. “He is still the legend. He's still a man. I'm trying to chase records at featherweight, so I can't fight my man Jose Aldo, bro. Aldo, do it, brother. Do it for the veterans. Do it.” It’s for the OGs, Aldo. Go there and show the world that you are still here.

“Imagine Aldo getting a few wins… he can almost hope for the title against Merab,” Holloway said.

Jose Aldo's last loss came to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 two years ago in Salt Lake City. Dvalishvili was unable to defeat Aldo for three rounds, but still emerged victorious with a decision victory.

“Who wouldn’t want to see him against Merab again? Imagine him getting the Merab fight and winning. That would be crazy, bro. What a damn GOAT, bro. Never bet against Aldo and this is free choice,” Holloway said of Aldo's upcoming fight against Bautista.

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