Jose Aldo reveals ‘high chance’ he returns to boxing in 2027: ‘Money talks’

Jose Aldo, the UFC Hall of Famer and former featherweight champion, signaled a strong interest in returning to professional boxing in 2027, citing financial opportunity as the primary driver. The legendary fighter revealed that Spaten Fight Night, a Brazil-based combat sports promotion, has approached him multiple times about headlining a future card, most recently backstage in São Paulo when jiu-jitsu legend Kyra Gracie and Olympic judoka Flavio Canto urged him to commit.

Aldo maintained a 2-0-1 boxing record after retiring from MMA in 2022, competing in three bouts before returning to the UFC in 2024. He acknowledged that negotiations with Spaten came close to fruition for their August event, which was ultimately headlined by Glover Teixeira vs. Shogun Rua, but timing complications—Aldo was on vacation in Cancun—prevented a deal from materializing. He stressed that obtaining UFC permission is necessary since he still has three fights remaining on his contract.

When asked about potential opponents, Aldo expressed interest in reviving the Nova União vs. Team Alpha Male rivalry through boxing matches against Chad Mendes or Urijah Faber, or even facing Anthony Pettis in a superfight that the UFC never arranged during his active career. However, Aldo emphasized that his willingness to return is purely financial. "The first question everyone asks is, 'Do you miss fighting?' I say, 'No,'" he told MMA Fighting. "Money talks," he added, noting that Spaten's compensation structure makes the proposition attractive compared to other promotional offers.

Aldo has made clear he has no interest in fighting for reduced purses or against inexperienced opponents, setting a specific financial floor for any comeback. Should he secure UFC approval and Spaten meets his financial terms, a 2027 boxing return appears likely, though details remain subject to scheduling and contractual resolution.