With Victory Over Anthony Pettis, Jose Aldo to be Granted Lightweight Title Shot

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Jose Aldo’s jump to lightweight could come sooner rather than later.

The UFC featherweight champion is currently slated to defend his belt on Aug. 3 against former WEC lightweight king Anthony Pettis. Should he win that fight, “Scarface” will receive an immediate title shot at 155 pounds, according to UFC President Dana White, who confirmed the plan to MMAJunkie.com. Aldo also verified the news on his official Twitter account.

Aldo has addressed an eventual move to lightweight for some time, but no definitive timeline has ever been set until now. The 26-year-old has gone undefeated under the Zuffa umbrella, joining the defunct WEC in 2008 and winning the featherweight title the following year. Two title defenses would follow for Aldo as champion before the Brazilian was christened UFC king in 2011. Aldo has defended his title four times in the Octagon, most recently outpointing former lightweight ace Frankie Edgar three weeks ago at UFC 156.

Pettis, who makes his 145-pound debut against Aldo, has won seven of his last eight fights as a lightweight, with only a unanimous decision defeat to Clay Guida in 2011 marring his record during that span. Much like the featherweight champion, “Showtime” is known for his superior striking game and owns 7 of his 16 victories by form of knockout. Pettis last competed on Jan. 26, when he stopped fellow Top-10 talent Donald Cerrone with a kick to the liver at UFC on Fox 6.