MMA Preview – Jonathan Martinez vs Jose Aldo at UFC 301
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JONATHAN MARTINEZ VS JOSE ALDO FACTS
When is UFC 301? Sunday 5th May, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 301? Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 301? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 301
What channel is UFC 301 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 301? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JONATHAN MARTINEZ VS JOSE ALDO LOWDOWN
Jonathan Martinez (19-4) is on fire right now and is currently riding a six-fight win streak. He responded to getting sparked out by Davey Grant (2021) with three unanimous decision wins. He then disabled Cub Swanson (2022) with some vintage leg kicks before earning another unanimous decision over Said Nurmagomedov (2023). He returned seven months later to put on another ‘Performance of the Night’ with leg kicks TKOing Adrian Yanez (2023).
The ‘King of Rio’ Jose Aldo (31-8) steps out of retirement to grace his adoring fans. He hung up the gloves in 2022 after getting wrestled for three rounds by Merab Dvalishvili. The UFC deserved to lose a legend of the sport after that matchmaking, but thankfully he returns to put on a show.
JONATHAN MARTINEZ VS JOSE ALDO PREDICTION
It was not that long ago Aldo was outclassing bantamweight contenders. He earnt three classy unanimous decisions in a row over Marlon Vera (2020), Pedro Munhoz (2021) and Rob Font (2021) before the dominant loss.
Martinez has looked like a young Aldo with his thunderous leg kicks in recent fights and we fully expect him to bring them back out here. We have not seen any of Aldo’s kicks for a while, but instead he will back his boxing to find the chin and rip the liver.
His takedown defence is as good as it gets, but he will be grateful he can focus on his striking here. His chin has absorbed a lot of damage over the years, but his defence is still exceptional, particularly his when it comes to leg kicks.
We expect him to be able to check the kicks and counter with his hands. At this stage of his career, it is hard to see him overwhelming a young gun in red hot form. This could be his last MMA fight and the home crowd will try and carry him over the line, but it is hard to ignore the fact that Aldo already checked out of the game and Martinez is in the form of his life.
Prediction: Martinez via Decision
Value Bet: Aldo via Decision
