145-pound champion Jose Aldo could return as early as March for his UFC debut

Everyone has been waiting on the UFC debut for Jose Aldo.

Since his inception under the Zuffa banner in June of 2008, Aldo has been anything short of spectacular inside the cage. After demolishing the likes of former Shooto champion Alexandre Nogueira, “The Ultimate Fighter” winner Jonathon Brookins and contender Cub Swanson, Aldo eventually earned his way to a title shot inside the WEC.

After defeating the likes of Mike Brown for the promotion’s 145-pound title and defending against fan-favorite Urijah Faber and former “TUF” finalist Manny Gamburyan, Aldo became the UFC’s featherweight champion once the promotion officially assimilated with it’s sister promotion, the WEC this past December.

Aldo recently spoke with TATAME.com who sat down the champion to see what his next plan of attack for the new year would be.

“I was supposed to do my first belt defense, but unfortunately I couldn’t do it, but I believe that within a month I’ll be 100%”, said Aldo who is still on the mend following a neck injury during training.

“I believe that in March I’ll be ready to defend my belt for the first time, but I’m still only doing physiotherapy.”

While the Brazilian may feel that he would like to return in March, it doesn’t necessarily mean we could see him back in action just so soon. All viable contenders to his featherweight crown are all tied up. Josh Grispi, who was originally intended to face Aldo at UFC 125 on Jan. 1 remained on the card, however lost in an upset against the unheralded Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision. Mark Hominick, another man promised a title shot against Aldo has been on the mend following a broken hand though he returns later this month on Jan. 22 against George Roop at UFC Fight Night 23, at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

“Now I know it won’t happen, I don’t know who my opponent will be”, said Aldo who spoke regarding Grispi as a potential opponent, who left the top contender position with the loss to Dustin.

“With this defeat of Grispi, I have no idea of who it’ll be, there’ll be an event now on January 22nd, so let’s wait for it.”

In the UFC’s 145-pound class, no other viable contenders come to mind, but what do you think MMA peeps? Can you think of anyone who could deservedly challenger Aldo in the UFC as it is? Both Chad Mendes and Michihiro Omigawa seem like the other two in the division who can jump right in and compete against Jose, though both are scheduled to meet one another at UFC 126 come February. Sound off in the comment section below.