Jose Aldo expects a championship opportunity if he wins at UFC 278

If successful in his UFC comeback, the former UFC and WEC featherweight champion will be back in the hunt for gold. For the main event of UFC 278, Aldo (31-7 MMA, 13-6 UFC) faces up against rising challenger Merab Dvalishvili (14-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC).

With recent unanimous decision victories against Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font, the Brazilian is on a roll. If Aldo beats Dvalishvili for the fourth time in a row, he will be well on his way to a title bout.

“I actually think that I (should’ve been) fighting for the title,” Aldo told reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 278 media day. “I wanted to fight Aljo (Aljamain Sterling), but he’s going for Dillashaw.

“I believe if I win this fight, I am actually then the next one up to fight for the belt.”

UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is set to defend his title against T.J. Dillashaw on October 22 at UFC 280. It is Aldo’s opinion that Sterling will successfully defend his championship against Dillashaw.

“If we’re going with a pick, I’ll say Aljo (because) for the moment that he’s going through in his career,” Aldo said. “He’s been fighting at a high level, and also I think Dillashaw had that time when he wasn’t fighting, so I think that goes against him. The moment in which Aljo is fighting, I think he’s the one that’s going to get it.”