Breaking: UFC Legend Jose Aldo Retires Following UFC 315 Loss; Blames Injuries, Seeking Family Life
Jose Aldo Retires Again: A Legend’s Farewell after UFC 315 Showdown
Controversial Loss Marks Final Bow for Brazilian Icon
In a surprising turn of events, former UFC and WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) following his decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315. The 38-year-old legend hung up his gloves after battle injuries and a weakened heart for the sport.
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Aldo didn’t hold back in revealing the challenges he faced leading up to the fight. “This fight was hard. I had a muscle tear on the arm, something on the belly from kicking a lot. I had a virus infection, a bunch of things. The doctors said, ‘Get him out of the fight,’ but I didn’t want to because I knew this could be my last fight,” he told UFC Brazil.
Aldo was aiming to rebound from a loss to Mario Bautista in October. However, the originally scheduled 135-pound bout was moved to featherweight due to Aldo’s struggles cutting weight, further adding to his strenuous fight preparations.
$C организацияLousy Send-off: Judges Sparring Over Controversial Decision
Aldo’s final UFC fight ended in a heated debate among judges. After going three hard rounds with Zahabi, Aldo lost a unanimous decision (29-28 x3). Pros across the MMA world disagreed with the judges’ scoring, leaving fans questioning the outcome.
Reflecting on a Glorious Career
The Brazilian legend finishes his career with an impressive 32-10 MMA record, boasting an incredible 8-0 mark in the WEC and a 14-9 record in the UFC. He even referenced his first UFC fight in Canada against Mark Hominick, noting it was fitting for his career to end there.
“I wanted to end here in Canada,” Aldo said. “I started here, and wanted to end here. I could end it in Brazil or some place else, but no. My story started here in Canada, this is where I first fought in the UFC.”
Should UFC Have Booked Different Opponents?
Aldo dismissed any notion that fighting veterans like Dominick Cruz could have extended his career. He revealed that retirement thoughts were already on his mind before UFC 315, emphasizing his desire to prioritize family life.
“I always demand a lot from myself, but now I want to enjoy my family, be a father, pick up my kids at school. That’s what I want to do,” Aldo said.
Second Time Around: Aldo’s Retirement Rollercoaster
This isn’t the first time Aldo has retired. After losing to future champion Merab Dvalishvili in 2022, Aldo turned to boxing, compiling a résumé of 2-0-1. He returned to MMA in 2024 but managed just one win in three fights.
Did you know?
Jose Aldo is only the third fighter in UFC history to win multiple belts (UFC and WEC featherweight titles) and retire as a champion in both promotions.
Who’s Next? Future of Featherweight Division without Aldo
The retirement of Aldo leaves the featherweight division wide open. With champions like Alexa Grasso, Valentina Shevchenko, and Petr Yán on the cusp, the future of the weight class seems promising despite the departure of a true legend.
FAQs
When did Jose Aldo announce his retirement?
Jose Aldo announced his retirement at the UFC 315 post-fight press conference on May 12, 2025.
What was Jose Aldo’s career record in MMA and UFC?
Jose Aldo’s career MMA record was 32-10, with a 14-9 record in the UFC.
What were some of Jose Aldo’s biggest achievements in MMA?
Some of Jose Aldo’s greatest achievements include winning the UFC and WEC featherweight titles, as well as being the first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history.
Looking Ahead: The Featherweight Division’s Next Chapter
The MMA world bids farewell to a true legend in Jose Aldo. As the featherweight division moves forward without its iconic champion, fans can only guess what exciting matchups and storylines await. With an ever-growing roster of talented athletes, the future of the sport seems brighter than ever.
Now it’s your turn to weigh in! Which fighter is ready to step into the spotlight and claim their spot as the next featherweight king or queen? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to explore more articles and exclusive insights from our team of sports journalists.