Jose Aldo is glad MMA veterans are securing big paydays against YouTubers as their fighting days come to a close, but the Brazilian would never consider doing the same.
Former UFC fighters such as Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren have parted ways with the promotion to secure big paydays against the internet star turned pugilist, Jake Paul.
Askren was defeated by Paul last November and Woodley will fight 'The Problem Child' later this month.
But the former UFC featherweight champion Aldo, who turns 35 next month, is not a fan of swapping MMA fights for YouTube bouts. The Brazilian says he wants to be remembered for the legacy he created in the UFC/WEC, not YouTube fights.
“I respect everyone for doing these fights, especially when you’re in the end [of your career]," Aldo told MMA Fighting.
"[When you’re] in the end, I think it’s worth making as much money as possible because, in general, they didn’t manage well their careers.
"So they are going down that path, and thank God this door has opened for them and they are making good money.
“But Aldo, no. To me, that doesn’t make any sense and doesn’t get inside my head. I have always fought for a legacy, I’ve always fought to make history and have my story told."
Aldo recently put on a flawless performance to defeat Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision at UFC 265. The win was Aldo's second on the bounce after defeating Marlon Vera last December.
After reigning at 145-pounds for so long, the Brazilian is hopeful he can eventually win the UFC bantamweight title. These are the feats Aldo wants to be remembered for, stating his legacy in the sport is worth much more than any payday could ever offer him.
"To have people say in 10, 20, 30 years from now, ‘Aldo was the greatest featherweight champion and went down to bantamweight and became champion as well.’ No money can buy that. To me, my legacy is worth way more than money.” he continued.
“I make money in my fights since I got in the sport and I’ve always planned to, when I stop and retire tomorrow, I don’t have to do those things, which, to me, are humiliating.
"For everything I’ve learned in martial arts, everything I’ve done, to sell myself for money … no, I’m a legacy guy. I want to be in the UFC. When I’m done fighting, I want it to be in the UFC. I want to be in the Hall of Fame.
"I want to see my story told in the world’s biggest organization, not in one of these circuses. If it’s a [money fight] in the UFC, cool, I’ll do it. Outside of it, I wouldn’t.”
