TAMPA, Fla. – Throw Daniel Marcos’ hat into the ring for a chance to fight former champion Jose Aldo.
Marcos (17-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) stayed unbeaten Saturday when he eked past Adrian Yanez (17-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC) with a split decision in their bantamweight fight on the main card at UFC on ESPN 63 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
Afterward, Marcos, a 31-year-old Peruvian 135-pounder, said he wants a fight against ex-featherweight champ Aldo (32-9 MMA, 14-8 UFC), who recently came out of an announced retirement that lasted a whopping five months and lost to Mario Bautista.
“A win is a win. A win is learning who I am – somebody that I know is going to be a tough fight. That’s what I bring to the division. I’m a guy that’s always going to be a dog out there, always pushing. I’m always going forward. I am a new face of this division as far as the up-and-comers right now.
“I beat somebody that was in the top 15. I beat somebody that has been to the top 15 before. I think I deserve to be in the top 15 again.”
And on his way to moving past the up-and-comer label, Marcos said a fight against a former titleholder and UFC Hall of Famer like Aldo will show he’s the future of the weight class.
“I want to fight the best. I’m here to fight the best. I want to fight to be a champion. I want to learn more, so that’s what I’ll do for the next fight. I want somebody who’s had his time. I believe it is my time (now). Jose Aldo – I think he’s had his time. I think it’s my time. I think I need to tell people right now the Peruvian has arrived. A dog has arrived – someone who’s going to be the new face of the division, a new generation has arrived.”
Marcos joined fellow UFC on ESPN 63 winner Davey Grant in his callout of Aldo, but Marcos has one thing going for him if it’s a two-person race. In July 2023, Marcos outworked Grant for a split decision.
If he can’t get Aldo, though, Marcos said he wants to keep climbing.
“Hopefully in 2025, I think it’s going to be step by step – doing the work that needs to be done whenever the time comes,” Marcos said. “I know that I’m working and I deserve it. That’s my dream. But the ultimate dream is actually for the UFC to come to Peru. I want Peru to be able to enjoy this spectacle that is this event.
“I haven’t really thought about (anyone else but Aldo). I’m a dog and I know that I’m ready to fight against anybody. Against any world-class fighter, I’m ready to go.”
Check out Marcos’ full post-fight interview in the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.
