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Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz isn't shying away from calling out his long-desired opponent, Jose Aldo. With Aldo's recent return to the Octagon at UFC 301 sparking fan interest in a potential clash, Cruz is voicing his frustration.
A Matchup Fans Crave:
"That fight would be a banger," Cruz declared on the Overdogs Podcast, "and I'm definitely open to it." The possibility of this matchup has eluded fans for years, dating back to their WEC days when both dominated their respective weight classes.
Questionable Reasons for Saying No?
Cruz takes issue with Aldo's reported reason for declining the fight - Cruz's current unranked status.
"I took myself out of the rankings," Cruz explained, "but that doesn't mean I wouldn't fight a ranked opponent. Fighting ranked fighters is what I get paid to do."
He further criticizes Aldo's choice of opponent, Jonathan Martinez, who also wasn't ranked at the time of their fight (though Martinez currently holds the 14th spot). "So the ranking excuse doesn't hold water," Cruz stated.
Free Agency Maneuvers?
Cruz suggests Aldo might have had other motives. "Maybe he just wanted to fight someone who wouldn't be a tough challenge and potentially jeopardize his free agency negotiations," Cruz speculated.
The Fight Lives On:
Regardless of the past, Cruz remains hopeful.
"Ultimately, he needed to fulfill his contract the way he saw fit," Cruz acknowledged. "But hopefully, this fight can still happen before one of us hangs up the gloves."
Whether Cruz's assessment of Aldo's motivations is accurate remains unclear. One thing is certain - fans are eager to see this potential dream matchup come to life.