José Aldo fans are moved by the farewell ceremony during UFC Rio. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
José Aldo had a farewell worthy of a legend at UFC Rio. This Saturday (11), the Manaus native, nicknamed 'King of Rio', left his gloves in the octagon to definitively seal his retirement from the sport.
Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Aldo entered to the sound of "Rum This Town," the hit that had been his signature entrance song in the UFC. He was overcome with emotion as he took his final steps toward the octagon. Some of the crowd was moved, and the arena chanted, loud and clear, "Aldo! Aldo!"
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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.
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.
A moving scene here! Tribute to José Aldo, who left his gloves in the octagon where he is King
One of the greatest names in MMA history. The greatest featherweight in the history of the sport. #UFCRio pic.twitter.com/tjbGUEcika
— Igor Ribeiro (@igorribeiromma) October 11, 2025
The King of Rio lays them down in front of the home crowd
[ @JoseAldoJunior | #UFCRio ] pic.twitter.com/q7ZivKhU9m
- UFC (@ufc) October 11, 2025
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