Aldo focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
José Aldo , it seems, is close to being convinced to finally abandon his retirement. After hanging up his gloves at UFC 315 , the 'King of Rio' was scheduled to face Marlon Vera in a grappling match at Hype FC, set for October 4th. However, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) revealed a special reason that could make him return to action in boxing as well.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, José Aldo explained that, although he doesn't miss competing and considers his career in the sport over, a sufficiently advantageous financial offer could make him reconsider retirement and return to the ring.
See too
“Everyone always asks when we’re at these events, ‘Do you miss fighting?’ I say, ‘No.’ So, for me, that’s a closed chapter. … But, as I told you, money talks,” said José Aldo.
Retirement of José Aldo
The 'King of Rio' took a brief hiatus from the UFC in 2022 after being defeated by former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg), Merab Dvalishvili . Aldo ventured into boxing, where he won two fights and drew one before returning to Dana White's organization in 2024. The Brazilian defeated Jonathan Martinez upon his return, but then lost two consecutive fights to Mario Bautista and recently to 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.
An emotional scene here! A tribute to José Aldo , who left his gloves in the octagon where he is King.
One of the biggest 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
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
Comments