Detroit – Former WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo was awarded the UFC featherweight championship belt in a private ceremony prior to tonight’s UFC 123 event at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
UFC President Dana White awarded Aldo the championship belt.
Aldo defends his new championship against Josh Grispi in the co-main event of UFC 125 on January 1st. He is the first of the former WEC champions to make the transition to the UFC, and also the first to headline a major UFC pay per view event.
The belt ceremony is expected to be highlighted during tonight’s pay per view broadcast.