Jose Aldo officially retires, says no fight would convince him to return to UFC: ‘Never again’

RIO DE JANEIRO — Jose Aldo has announced he is permanently stepping away from combat sports, confirming he will not return to competition.

The former WEC and UFC featherweight champion first indicated his retirement shortly after losing a decision to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 on May 10th in Montreal.

Following his initial statement the next day where he mentioned the fight “may have been” his last octagon appearance, Aldo held a press conference at the Nova Uniao training center on Saturday. Here, he definitively confirmed he is not returning to MMA, boxing, or any other form of combat sport.

“No, I don’t see myself fighting anymore,” Aldo stated. He explained his recent return to the UFC wasn`t financially motivated but driven by a specific purpose or calling. “I tried doing it and it didn’t work,” he said, adding that he gave his utmost and is content with his career achievements. He firmly stated that no potential fight could entice him back. “To put on the gi, to spar, or do anything like that, maybe only in five years. Thank God I’ll be almost 50 in five years, so there’s no possibility of fighting, there’s no calling for it.”

Aldo had previously stepped away from MMA in 2022 after his three-fight winning streak was broken by future UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili. He then pursued boxing, achieving two victories and a draw against Jeremy Stephens, before eventually re-signing with the UFC.

In his comeback fight in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian icon defeated Jonathan Martinez. However, he subsequently faced decision losses against Mario Bautista and Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo reiterated that no name or offer would persuade him to compete again.

“No, I have another purpose in life now, another path,” Aldo affirmed. “Offer me any fight, anywhere it is, I don’t want it. I don’t see myself fighting anymore, or training [for myself], or doing anything like that.” He clarified he would still train to help his friends, acknowledging the difficulty of their journey. “I know how hard that is, so if I can help in any way with the experience I have, I will help with all my heart. But to specifically put on a gi or anything like that to fight, never again.”

Aldo concludes his distinguished combat sports career with a record of 32-10, having defeated a multitude of notable opponents including Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, Mike Brown, and Cub Swanson. He now intends to focus on spending time at home with his wife and two children.