UFC champion reveals that José Aldo was the toughest opponent of his career

José Aldo He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

Current UFC bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), Merab Dvalishvili revealed the ranking of his last five opponents by difficulty level and placed José Aldo at the top of the list. The Georgian, who has held the belt since September 2024, closed the ranking with names such as former champions Petr yan, Henry Cejudo e Sean O'Malley, in addition to breaking a historic record against Umar Nurmagomedov in January 2025.

In an interview with the profile 'Judo Better', the 34-year-old fighter chose José Aldo as the most challenging opponent. The victory over the Brazilian, in August 2022, in UFC 278, demanded absolute control in the clinch and constant pressure to overcome the former champion's technical defense.

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In second place on the list, Petr yan was dominated in March 2023, in Las Vegas (USA). The Russian, who already held the belt in the category, suffered with 49 takedown attempts by the Georgian, who secured a categorical victory (50-45 on all cards).

Henry Cejudo, third in the standings, tried to regain the champion's position in the UFC 298, but was outclassed by Dvalishvili's recovery ability. The former two-time champion of the organization landed significant blows, but could not keep up with the volume of actions of the current titleholder, who closed the rounds with a clear advantage in the judges' decisions.

Yes, Sean O'Malley, fourth placed, could not resist the Georgian's aggressive style in the UFC 306, in September 2024. The fight, valid for the belt, had the champion at the time controlled by takedowns and pressed against the fences, resulting in another unanimous victory for Merab, who won the belt on that occasion.

Lastly, Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, took the last position. The fight in UFC 311, in January of this year, made history: the Georgian applied eight takedowns, surpassing Georges St-Pierre's record, and remained undefeated as champion.

Watch Merab Dvalishvili's list with José Aldo at the top

Merab ranks his last 5 fights from easiest to hardest

5. Umar Nurmagomedov
4. Sean O'malley
3. Henry Cejudo
2. Petr yan
1. Jose aldo pic.twitter.com/ckQycPjxMD

— ჯუდოჩად (@judobetter995) March 18, 2025