Jose Aldo's next move unclear, but trainer fine with Pettis-Melendez matchup

With the announcement that UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will coach “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show opposite Gilbert Melendez and the pair will fight at the end of the season, it’s clear a “superfight” with Pettis and UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is off the table for the time being.

Most were taken off guard by Sunday’s big news that Pettis (17-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) and Melendez (22-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) will coach “TUF,” especially when UFC President Dana White had essentially confirmed the Aldo (24-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) matchup for the 155-pound champion in previous discussions.

Even though fans will seemingly miss out on the highly anticipated bout once again, Aldo’s head coach Andre Pederneiras says he had no idea the fight was scrapped but isn’t too upset about it.

Why? Because “Showtime” was the one who campaigned for the fight in the first place.

“It was Pettis who issued the challenge,” Pederneiras told MMAjunkie. “Aldo accepted and was awaiting a date to be chosen.”

While it’s unfortunate Aldo will have to delay his goal of becoming just the third fighter in UFC history to win belts in two weight classes, Pederneiras doesn’t believe his student will be flustered by this latest development.

“In reality, I just learned about this myself,” Pederneiras told MMAjunkie. “I haven’t talked to Aldo yet, but we’re not worried about it.”

For now Aldo’s next move is unclear, but should he chose to remain in the featherweight division and defend his belt, the likes of Chad Mendes, Cub Swanson and plenty others are waiting for an opportunity.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming event schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Jose Aldo)