Author: Atrakhov S.
Brazilian former UFC featherweight champion José Aldo continues his successful performances in his new sport, boxing. After a win and a draw in his first two fights, he beat his opponent again. The main fight of the evening, which was part of the Shooto Boxing 2 tournament, did not disappoint either the fans who attended the Upper Arena in Rio de Janeiro or the viewers who followed the UFC Fight Pass broadcast.
CUE "RUN THIS TOWN!!" IT'S JOSE ALDO TIME!!!!#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/sweSpJznfr
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
The South American boxers proved to be worthy of each other and completed the six scheduled three-minute rounds. It must be admitted that the young Argentinian Esteban Gabriel generally did well in the ring, but in the end Aldo’s experience and correctly chosen tactics affected him.
The kid's a legend around these parts!!
The main event is UNDER WAY!!#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/QkkDVVEdWP
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
Aldo is like a Rocky villain atm#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/OU909mun2p
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
Gabriel tried to land as many blows as possible, giving his opponent brilliant series. But, firstly, most of them “drowned” in Aldo’s reliable protection and, secondly, it’s not the quantity that matters, but the quality of the precise blows. Here the Brazilian was irresistible. He responded to Esteban’s numerous combinations with powerful and effective attacks.
Aldo landing big already!#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/TyjDXIyqvO
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
This fella REALLY likes watching Jose Aldo box#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/AG64QEMNbN
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
Espindola just won't quit#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/ww7Qzk3qhT
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
Aldo's uppercut turned Espindola into a wrestler!#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/Q1Eqa9QqMy
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
Fans agreed that Aldo could have improved by ending the fight with an early knockout at any time, but he didn’t take his chances in vain. That’s probably right, because if you open yourself up too much in attack, you could get a nasty “surprise” from any opponent. Therefore, feeling a large margin of safety, José chose a more reliable strategy and didn’t lose. The result, of course, was confirmed by the judges; all three unanimously gave the ring owner the win: 60-54, 60-54, 60-54.
Words we're quite used to hearing#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/OnLGIKZnMW
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
After the fight, Aldo paid tribute to his opponent and also highlighted the role of his coach Dede Pederneiras: “I was very well prepared, the whole team was very supportive. He (Esteban Gabriel) assimilated the blows well, I thought he was going to fall, I went for it, trying to land hard, accurate blows. Dedé shaped me into the man and athlete that I am and I owe it all to him. I gave up a million-dollar contract with the UFC to fight something I’m passionate about. So I’m very happy about that and I can only thank him. I love him.
It’s safe to say that Aldo’s boxing career is still developing very successfully – 2 wins and a draw. If this continues, he could soon be nicknamed “Invincible”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What’s more, the next possible opponent is very serious. There is a preliminary agreement and, if nothing changes, it will be Jeremy Stephens. In April 2023, in the Jorge Masvidal Gamebred Boxing tournament, they already faced each other, ending in a draw. The rematch promises to be exciting.