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TAMPA, Fla. – Throw Daniel Marcos’ hat in the ring for a chance to face former champion Jose Aldo.
Marcos (17-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) remained undefeated on Saturday when he defeated Adrian Yanez (17-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC) by a split decision in their bantamweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 63 Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Afterward, Marcos, a 31-year-old Peruvian 135-pounder, said he wants to fight former featherweight champion Aldo (32-9 MMA, 14-8 UFC), who recently came off an announced retirement that took a long five Months and lost to Mario Bautista.
“A win is a win. Winning is learning who I am – someone I know will be an uphill battle. That’s what I bring to the division. I’m a guy who’s always going to be a dog out there. “For the young talent, I’m always on the rise.
“I beat someone who was in the top 15. I beat someone who was already in the top 15. I think I deserve to be in the top 15 again.”
And as he looks to leave the emerging label behind, Marcos said a fight against a former titleholder and UFC Hall of Famer like Aldo will show he is the future of the weight class.
“I want to fight against the best. I’m here to fight against the best. I want to fight to become a champion. I want to learn more, so I will do that for the next fight. I want someone who had his share. “I think it’s my time (now). I think it’s my time to tell people that someone has arrived the new one. Given the Division, a new generation has arrived.
Marcos joined fellow UFC on ESPN 63 winner Davey Grant in his effort against Aldo, but Marcos has one thing in mind if it’s a two-person fight. In July 2023, Marcos prevailed over Grant with a split decision.
However, if he can’t get Aldo, Marcos said he wants to keep climbing.
“Hopefully in 2025 it will take it one step at a time and do the work that needs to be done whenever it comes,” Marcos said. “I know that I work and that I deserve it. This is my dream. But the ultimate dream is actually for the UFC to come to Peru. I want Peru to be able to enjoy the spectacle of this event.”
“I didn’t really think about it (anyone but Aldo). I’m a dog and I know I’m ready to fight anyone. I’m ready against any world-class fighter.”
Check out Marcos’ full post-fight interview in the video above.
For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Daniel Marcos calls out Jose Aldo, sends message to bantamweight division after UFC Tampa
