Jose Aldo: “This is the moment of truth.”

Jose Aldo is far from your average 25-year old for reasons stretching beyond simply his unquestionable talent or way in which he implements it. Born into abject poverty in Brazil, Aldo has since risen to become one of the “must see” fighters in MMA with an overall record of 19-1 and a UFC championship to boot.

However, rather than bask in his accomplishments or fall into the trappings of fame/fortune, Aldo has remained an extremely humble individual who maintains a modest existence and is more likely to be found in front of his television playing Pro Evolution Soccer than enjoying nightlife or buying fancy toys.

Aldo recently discussed how he has used his ascension from the favelas of his home country to serve as motivation for others who hail from similar circumstances, as well as how the challenges he’s faced in his life helped prepare him for his professional path.

“The trip to Haiti made me really appreciate life, and it reminded me of everything I’ve achieved and everything I will conquer,” Aldo explained on the UFC website when asked about a trip he made earlier this year to the impoverished region still reeling from a devastating earthquake . “Of course I can’t compare my situation in the beginning with their situation – but we made sure we showed them that a few of us came from the same difficulties and broke down some barriers. Obstacles are put in front of us to be taken down. I was happy to give them a message, to put a smile on their faces. I visited schools and orphanages and every positive message we passed to them, the reaction we received was in the same proportion.”

“They didn’t have water, can you believe it,” Aldo continued on the Haitians’ hardships. “When I saw that, of course I gave what water I had, but I also had an old film of the difficulties I had at the beginning of my life and told them that with willpower and some help you can shine.”

When talk turned to his own struggles, including the difficulty in remaining champion after initially winning the belt as well as putting the title on the line against someone like Kenny Florian who he faces in co-headlining action Saturday night at UFC 136.

Florian Doesn’t Care Where People Rank Aldo – He’s Still Beating Him

“I always heard this, and I agree 100% with it”, said Aldo on it being harder to hold on to the gold than to contend for it. “But since the beginning I was tested and this is part of my life. I just want more (challenges).”

On the subject of Florian, Aldo showed due respect and didn’t offer up a prediction of what fans should expect other than for an exciting contest between the two well-rounded competitors.

“He said that he can impose his age and experience on me inside the UFC. He fought well at 145 as well as at 155, so he didn’t feel the difference. But this is the moment of truth. I’ll try to make a very explosive fight and we’ll see what happens.”

Fans can tune in to see Aldo take to the Octagon on the PPV portion of UFC 136 starting at 9:00 PM EST. The show also features Brian Stann taking on Chael Sonnen for a shot at the UFC middleweight strap, as well as a main event match-up with 155-pound champion Frank Edgar putting his title on the line against undefeated rival Gray Maynard.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC