Jose Aldo

By FCF Staff

Jose Aldo will look to extend his lengthy reign as ZUFFA’s featherweight champ tonight at UFC 179, but the Brazilian will do so at a time when some observers have questioned whether his time as the division’s king will come to an end.

Recently, Aldo spoke with UFC.com about his fight tonight with Chad Mendes, and while discussing the praise and criticism he’s received, the Nova Uniao fighter stated:

“First of all, I really don’t look at what people say about me online or hear what critics say,” Aldo said. “I keep my focus on myself and the things I want to do. If there comes a day when this is not the case then that is probably the day that I’m going to have to stop fighting. I really don’t care what people are saying about me. Whether they are supporting me or putting me down, it really makes no difference to me because I have my own personal goals.

“I always keep in my mind that every fight is different and that every fight is a new challenge. I have a lot of goals set in my mind. I have a lot of personal records and those are the things that drive me forward and motivate me. I put in my mind that I can’t be in a comfort zone, so I’m always working to evolve and improve my skills to do the things I need to do.”

Since Mendes was KO’d by Aldo in 2012, the Team Alpha Male fighter has won five straight, and four of the victories have come via TKO or knockout.

UFC 179 will be hosted by Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and will be available throughout North America by pay-per-view.