Former Champion Jose Aldo Foresees Difficult Challenges for Fellow Brazilians at UFC 198

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight titleholder Jose Aldo does not like to watch events that lack Nova Uniao fighters. However, he admitted he will make an exception for UFC 198 on May 14 in Curitiba, Brazil.

It features Fabricio Werdum in the main event, as he defends the heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic. In addition, former Strikeforce champion Cristiane Justino will make her long-awaited organizational debut opposite Leslie Smith.

“I’m anxious to see that show,” Aldo told Sherdog.com. “It’s no doubt one of the best cards of the year and among the best UFC events ever promoted in Brazil. There are no easy fights on this card. The only two fights I would bet money on would be Werdum and ‘Cyborg.’ In all the other fights, anything can happen.”

UFC 198 will also shine the spotlight on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Mauricio Rua in separate bouts.

“[Patrick] Cummins is such a strong opponent, but the fact that Rogerio is a southpaw may give him some problems,” Aldo said. “I believe the same thing will happen for ‘Shogun,’ who is really popular in the city and will face another strong guy in [Corey Anderson].”

When asked about the only bout between Brazilians at UFC 198, Aldo pointed to Ronaldo Souza as the favorite over Vitor Belfort.

“It’s going to be a war, but I’m cheering 100 percent for ‘Jacare.’ I’ve known him since our jiu-jitsu days,” he said. “He’s also from Manaus, and we traveled together to competitions a couple times. I believe he’ll take Belfort to the ground and submit him.”

Leonardo Fabri contributed to this story.