Before the WEC merged with the UFC, there was earlier talk about then WEC featherweight champion, Jose Aldo moving up to lightweight. He was offered a bout against long time lightweight contender, Kenny Florian, but the champion eventually decided to remain at his weight class. That didn't stop the #6 Ranked lightweight from salivating at the potential match up though, as he has decided to cut 10 more pounds to try and take his belt.
Florian, a former middleweight contestant at the Ultimate Fighter, talked to ESPN about his decision:
"I started playing around with the idea: could I make 145? Originally, I didn't think it was possible. I spoke with a few nutritionists, got their opinions, told them what my body fat was, my walking-around weight, all that stuff and the general consensus was that it was very possible."
"I put a lot of thought into it, spoke with my coaches and everybody involved and decided that I am going to try it. I'm going to go for it."
"[The UFC] is very supportive. They're very excited about the move. I've spoken to Dana White, [matchmakers] Joe Silva and Sean Shelby -- they're all excited. And I'm excited. I'm very motivated... For me it's first things first. My goal is to get the 145-pound belt, and then go up to 155 and challenge for that belt as well."
His manager, Malki Kawa says they want a top featherweight contender for the debut around June or July:
"A fight with Aldo has been sticking in the back of my head since the UFC asked us for it. If there is a way to make it happen, I want to. If it looks like the only way that fight can happen is if Kenny moves down to 145, that's what we're going to do."
"He's not going to get a title shot at 145 directly. We're asking for a top guy, and then maybe after one or two more fights, he can get a title shot. He should be ready to make his 145-pound debut in June or July."
HT: Heavy.com