José Aldo in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/josealdojunioroficial
After being defeated by Aiemann Zahabi on the main card of UFC 315, José Aldo announced his definitive retirement from MMA after Bruce Buffer officially announced the result of the fight. At 38 years old, this was the 42nd fight the fighter has had over 21 years as a professional athlete, in addition to having stepped into the octagon on 23 occasions.
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Following tradition, the man from Manaus took off his gloves and left them in the center of the octagon, in addition to confirming his intention to abandon the sport in the interview for Daniel Cormier.
“I thank Dana White and Mick Maynard, but I no longer have the motivation to compete. I want to enjoy my family, my children. This week was very difficult for me. When I had problems with weight, I told Dedé (Pederneiras) that if there was no fight, I didn’t care,” said the Brazilian, who had problems making weight throughout the week, so the fight previously scheduled for the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) became a featherweight duel (up to 65,7 kg).
The King of Rio is hanging up the gloves
Congratulations on a great career inside the Octagon @JoseAldoJunior
[ #UFC315 ] pic.twitter.com/xtDfO9SOBy
- UFC (@ufc) May 11, 2025
This is the second time Aldo has announced his retirement from MMA. In September 2022, the former WEC and UFC featherweight champion announced his retirement after the birth of his son. He competed in boxing matches but returned to the UFC in May 2024.
Aldo is one of the best fighters of all time
Start in WEC
The King of Rio's MMA career began in 2004, while still on the national circuit. After building a successful record with appearances at events such as Shooto Brasil, Meca and Jungle Fight, the fighter managed to debut in the World Extreme Cagefighting WEC in 2008. At the time, the event belonged to Zuffa, the company that owns the UFC, and was the main organization for athletes weighing less than 70,3 kg.
There, the Brazilian became the featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) and defended the title on two occasions, with victories in great performances against names like Mike Brown and Urijah faber. The WEC was incorporated into the UFC in 2011, and Aldo was promoted to the Ultimate title.
UFC Stardom
J. Aldo (photo) with the UFC belt. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
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.
Conor McGregor and loss of the belt
J. Aldo (right) and Conor (left) faced each other in 2015. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ConorMcGregor
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.
He 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 (up to 61,2 kg) against the Russian Petr yan in July 2020, but without success.
Hall of Fame
José Aldo was immortalized in the Ultimate Hall of Fame (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
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.
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