Following his decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, mixed martial arts icon Jose Aldo indicated his potential retirement. In his post-fight interview, he commented that he felt he no longer possessed the necessary heart for competition. Shortly after, speaking with UFC Brazil, he disclosed that he had been contending with substantial injuries leading up to the event.
Aldo described the bout as challenging, detailing the physical issues he faced. “This fight was hard,” he said. “I had a muscle tear in my arm, and something in my belly, I forgot the name, down there, from kicking a lot. I had several issues, including a viral infection and other problems.” He added that doctors had advised him to withdraw, but he refused because he had a strong feeling this might be his final fight.
This contest followed a disappointing defeat to Mario Bautista in October. Aldo went three tough rounds against Zahabi, ultimately losing a decision that proved controversial. The fight was originally scheduled for bantamweight (135 pounds) but was moved up to featherweight after Aldo encountered difficulties cutting weight.
The distinguished former UFC and WEC Featherweight Champion concludes his remarkable career with a professional mixed martial arts record of 32 wins and 10 losses. This record includes an undefeated 8-0 run in the WEC and a 14-9 record within the UFC.
Explaining his decision to potentially conclude his career in Canada, Aldo stated, “I wanted to finish here in Canada. I started here, and wanted to end here. I could have finished it in Brazil or elsewhere, but no. My story in the UFC began here in Canada, when I first fought Mark Hominick. But it`s just part of life.”
The Brazilian legend mentioned that facing other veteran fighters, such as Dominick Cruz, would not have altered his perspective, revealing that he had already been considering retirement prior to the event.
He elaborated on his thoughts about stepping away, saying, “I already had that in mind, I was discussing it with [coach] ‘Dede’ Pederneiras and [my wife] Viviane Pereira, that I wanted to transition to the next phase.” He continued, “I think it`s more about the mindset when getting in there – I wouldn’t say I was fed up, but seeing that I genuinely need to move on. I always demand a lot from myself, but now I want to cherish my family, be a father, pick up my children from school. That`s what I desire now.”
Aldo also shared a statement on social media, further suggesting this recent bout was likely his last and expressing profound gratitude for his time in the sport.
In his statement, he wrote about facing a significant internal battle before the fight, more challenging than any opponent. He mentioned rekindling the dream of becoming champion again, training harder than ever. However, during the weight cut, an inner voice told him he didn`t need to continue, and he decided to listen.
He stated it was time to move forward, dedicating himself to his wife and children, and reflecting on his career built through countless battles, belts earned with blood, sweat, and faith.
He extended his thanks to Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta, and the UFC organization. He gave special thanks to his fans, calling them the “fuel” for every walk to the cage and crediting them with making him “a king.”
Concluding, he wrote that if this was his farewell, he leaves “in peace. With a heart full of gratitude and my head held high. Because I made history. Because I lived my dream. Because, above all, I stayed true to myself.”
Notably, this marks the second time Aldo has stepped away from the UFC. His previous retirement from mixed martial arts occurred after a loss to future champion Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022. He subsequently pursued a boxing career, accumulating a 2-0-1 record in the ring, before eventually returning to the octagon in 2024. Since his return, the 38-year-old veteran has secured one victory in three fights.
