Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili in the works for UFC 278

A matchup of bantamweight contenders is in the works for UFC 278, as Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili has been targeted for the Aug. 20 event.

Sherdog.com confirmed with Nova Uniao coach Andre Pederneiras that the bout is in the process of being finalized. Ariel Helwani was first to report the proposed booking.

"We didn’t sign the contract yet, but once both parties agree to the fight, it will happen,” Pederneiras said.

According to Nova União leader, Aldo also was willing to face Dominick Cruz or Henry Cejudo.

"Of course our first option was Aljamain [Sterling] for the title, but since the UFC had already decided T.J. [Dillashaw] will be his opponent, Dominick chose to fight [Marlon] Vera and [Henry] Cejudo is still involved with the whole USADA process, Merab was the third possibility, so let´s go,” Pederneiras said.

Pederneiras considers the Georgian’s style a good matchup for his pupil.

"Aldo has fought all his life against opponents who exchanged punches in order to grab him,” the coach said. “Also that´s the [style of fighters] we have most here in Nova União, so we don’t need to bring sparring partners from outside.”