Undefeated fighter leaves José Aldo aside and chooses another name as the best featherweight in history

José Aldo entering UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Europe

One of the most successful fighters of all time, José Aldo there does not seem to be a unanimous opinion when it comes to the best champion in the history of the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg). For Lerone murphy, undefeated and eighth in the division rankings, the King of Rio did not beat enough competitive opponents to be above Alexander Volkanovsky.

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In an interview with 'Submission Radio' this Wednesday (21), Murphy was impressed with the Australian's achievements and confessed to seeing the current champion as the best fighter in the history of the division.

“It’s hard to say. Very hard because they are two guys from different eras. But I think Volk faced better competition. Aldo is the people’s champion and was champion for ten years. But the level of competition is different now, so I would say Volkanovski,” he said.

Lerone murphy picks Alexander Volkanovsky as the featherweight over José Aldo, saying, “Volk has fought better competition.”

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— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 21, 2025

At 38 years old, the Brazilian announced his retirement definitive after being defeated by the Canadian Aiemann Zahabi by unanimous decision in the UFC 315, earlier this month. He built a record of 32 wins and ten losses and beat the likes of Frankie Edgar, Urijah faber e Chad Mendes.

Aldo has an impressive record as UFC champion

José Aldo is a UFC legend. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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After knocking out Mike Brown and winning the WEC featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), the King of Rio debuted in the Ultimate as the first champion in the history of the category, in 2011. In the largest MMA organization in the world, the Amazonian defended the title on seven consecutive occasions, a record that still stands today. At the time, he was also considered among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

After losing the title, he transitioned to bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) and there he also had the chance to become champion by measuring strength with the Russian Petr yan. For all his contributions, the Brazilian was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.