Following his decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, Jose Aldo announced his retirement, stating in his post-fight interview, “I just don’t have it in my heart anymore.” Shortly after, speaking to UFC Brazil, he disclosed that he had been battling significant injuries leading up to the fight.
Aldo described the fight as difficult: “This fight was hard,” he stated. “I had a muscle tear in my arm, I had something in my lower abdomen that I can`t recall the name of, from kicking extensively. I faced several issues, including a viral infection, among other things. Doctors advised `Get him out of the fight,` but I refused because, mentally, I knew this might be my final bout.”
Aldo`s return followed a disappointing loss to Mario Bautista in October. He fought three tough rounds against Zahabi, ultimately losing a controversial decision. The fight was originally set for bantamweight (135 pounds) but was moved to featherweight after Aldo experienced difficulties making the weight cut.
The former UFC and WEC Featherweight Champion concludes his mixed martial arts career with a professional record of 32 wins and 10 losses, holding an 8-0 record in WEC and 14-9 in the UFC.
“I wanted to finish my career here in Canada,” Aldo commented. “I began here, and I desired to end here. I could have concluded it in Brazil or elsewhere, but I chose not to. My journey started in Canada; it`s where I had my first UFC fight against Mark Hominick. But that`s just part of it.”
The legendary Brazilian fighter mentioned he wouldn`t have approached things differently if the UFC had matched him against other veterans like Dominick Cruz. He also confirmed he had already contemplated retirement prior to the event.
“I already had that thought,” Aldo stated. “I was discussing with [coach] `Dede` [Pederneiras] and [my wife] Viviane [Pereira] my desire to transition to the next phase. I believe it`s primarily about the mindset of competing; I wouldn`t say I was completely done, but realizing I genuinely needed to move on. I always push myself hard, but now I want to spend time with my family, be a father, and pick up my children from school. That`s my current goal.”
On Sunday, Aldo also released a statement on social media, reiterating that this was likely his final fight and expressing gratitude to everyone involved throughout his career in the sport.
“This might have been my final appearance inside the Octagon.
This week, I confronted one of the most significant battles of my life, not against an opponent, but within myself.
Over the recent years, I reignited the ambition of reclaiming champion status. I trained with my usual intensity, giving more effort than ever before. However, during the weight cutting process, an inner voice told me: `You no longer need to do this.` And I paid heed.
It`s now time to advance. To dedicate my life to my wife and children. To honor the legacy I built through each struggle, each title secured with dedication, effort, and belief.
My thanks go out to Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta. Thank you to the UFC. And most importantly, thank you to my fans. You were the driving force behind every walk to the cage. You elevated me to a king.
If this marks my departure, understand that I leave with a sense of peace. My heart is filled with thankfulness, and my head is held high. Because I forged history. Because I pursued my aspirations. Because, above all, I remained authentic to myself.
— José Aldo”
This marks the second instance of Aldo retiring from the UFC. He initially stepped away from MMA after his loss to future champion Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022, subsequently venturing into boxing where he amassed a 2-0-1 record before making his octagon return in 2024. The 38-year-old veteran achieved one victory out of three fights since his comeback.
Wesley Dunham