On a busy day in the fighting world, José Aldo called the press to officially announce his retirement from combat sports this Saturday (17). The statement confirmed what the fighter had already said a week ago, after the defeat suffered for the Canadian Aiemann Zahabi No. UFC 315, in Montreal. Despite the result considered controversial by many fans, the home team won by unanimous decision of the judges.
See too
During a press conference at the Nova União training center in Rio de Janeiro, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) made his decision about no longer making a living inside an octagon or a ring. An issue that, according to the UFC Hall of Famer, goes beyond money.
“No, I don’t see myself fighting. When I came back [to the UFC in 2024], it wasn’t for money, it was for a purpose I had, a calling. I tried and it didn’t work out. I gave it my all and I was happy with everything I achieved. There’s no fight that will make me come back. Putting on the kimono, sparring, doing anything, only in five years. Thank God I’ll be almost 50 in five years, so there’s no possibility of fighting, there’s no calling,” said Aldo.
The 'King of Rio' took a brief hiatus from the UFC in 2022, after being defeated by the current bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg.), Merab Dvalishvili. Aldo ventured into boxing, where he won two fights and drew one until returning to Dana White's organization in 2024. The Brazilian won Jonathan martinez on his return, but then lost two consecutive fights to mario bautista and recently for Zahabi.
José Aldo was categorical in stating that nothing should convince him to return to the days of battle inside the octagon.
“No, I have another purpose in life, another path. I don’t want to offer myself any fight, whatever it may be. I don’t see myself fighting, training or doing anything like that anymore. Of course, I see myself training here to help my friends. I know how difficult it is, so if I can help in any way with the experience I have, I will do it with all my heart. But specifically wearing a kimono or something like that to fight, never again,” he concluded.
UFC Trajectory
José Aldo entering the last fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Europe
The Manaus native made his debut at the biggest MMA event in the world at UFC 129, against the Canadian Mark hominick. He won by unanimous decision, but the image that would remain forever in the fans' memories was his opponent's forehead, which had a shocking swelling thanks to the Brazilian's blows.
From then on, Aldo began an impressive career in the Ultimate. He defended his belt seven times and became recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
The reign of the River King was eventually interrupted by Conor McGregor, in December 2015. On the rise, the Irishman shocked the world by knocking out the Brazilian in just 13 seconds. To this day, this is the fastest victory in a title fight in the history of the event.
Aldo would later regain the title at UFC 200, winning Frankie Edgar. However, he would end up dethroned once again when he was knocked out by Max Holloway. Aldo would still fight for the bantamweight belt against the Russian Petr yan in July 2020, but without success.
For his contributions, the Brazilian was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, as part of the modern wing. In addition, he also won the Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year awards (against Chad Mendes) by the World MMA Awards in 2010 and 2014, respectively.
Aldo leaves the sport with a record of 32 wins and ten losses, and will be missed by his fans.
You need login To comment.