Florian Sees Aldo Matchup as Win-Win

Kenny Florian says the timing is right for a showdown with Jose Aldo. | Photo: Dave Mandel

“I want to go right for it,” Florian said during a recent interview on the Sherdog Radio Network’s “It’s Time” show with Bruce Buffer. “Why should I have to fight other [featherweights]? What other top [featherweights] do I have to face before I face Jose Aldo? I don’t know if there are any left besides Chad Mendes, who’s going to be fighting in August anyway, so schedule-wise, it doesn’t make sense.”

In Florian’s view, the UFC would benefit by matching Aldo against a well-known opponent.

“They’re looking for a big fight that they can promote,” he said. “What other big-name fighter at 145 could they promote to put together a fight that people want to see? Not a lot of people know who even Jose Aldo is, which is terrible because he’s such a phenomenal fighter. If you want to promote a fight, you need to get names in there that people recognize and people want to see fight. I think it just makes sense. If I just beat one of the top four, top five in the world at 145 and here I am coming in from years of competing in the UFC, let’s promote a fight between myself and Jose Aldo.”

UFC President Dana White has said the bout is “more than likely.” Florian sees it as a positive for everyone involved, including the UFC.

“If I win, obviously it’s good for me,” Florian said. “I’m a recognizable name as a champ at 145. If Jose Aldo wins, then he just beat a guy with a good name as well. Either way, I think that’s the best-case scenario for both Jose and myself and the UFC.”

In his featherweight debut, Florian won a unanimous decision over Diego Nunes at UFC 131. It was a tough fight and a tough drop to 145 pounds, but Florian thinks he’ll be sharper the next time out.

“I’m not completely satisfied with my performance against Diego Nunes, but I think that had a lot to do with the timing issue and being out for 10 months away from the cage,” Florian said. “I guarantee an even better performance when I get back in there.”

Listen to the full interview (beginning at 16:08).