• UFC 131

Featherweight Florian heading for Jose Aldo title shot

Kenny Florian is heading for a featherweight title shot at Jose Aldo following his entertaining victory over Diego Nunes at UFC 131.

Florian made his debut at 145lbs against the dangerous Brazilian, and he did enough to take home a unanimous decision despite twice being dropped by Nunes.

Crucially Florian did not appear to show any negative effects from his weight cut, and UFC president Dana White confessed the former lightweight No. 1 contender is now likely to provide Aldo's next opponent.

"I've got a lot of respect for him," said White of Florian. "He deserves a shot at the title. No doubt about it."

Florian admitted post-fight that cutting to 145lbs was "the hardest thing I've ever done", but he confirmed he will stay in the division in order to take on the electric Aldo.

"I'm staying at featherweight. I want a shot at the belt," said Ken-Flo. "I think Jose is one of the best in the game. I have a lot of respect for him, and I'm a big fan. Every UFC fighter's dream is to be a champion. I don't want to look too far ahead, but that's [my goal]."

Florian was the better wrestler against Nunes, cutting the former WEC man's head with sharp elbows, but he confessed he was not happy with his performance.

"There were several points when I was thinking that [I made a mistake dropping to featherweight]," admitted Florian. "I think, honestly, the whole weight cut was a true test in discipline. It took me to the next level mentally and [showed me] what I'm capable of doing. After that, I think anything [will be] easy.

"I wanted to do more. I'm never satisfied if I don't get the finish. That's just my style. I try to [finish] the fight with my own hands. But he's top-five for a reason. He's fast, but I felt he was getting tired, and I outlasted him. He showed his toughness."

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