José Aldo, former UFC featherweight champion and record holder of seven title defenses, announced his retirement after a loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 held in Montreal on Saturday night.
This is the second retirement of the 38-year-old Brazilian fighter, who had already hung up his gloves in 2022 to dedicate himself to professional boxing. Aldo was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame the following year.
However, in 2024, he returned to the octagon, where he won his first fight but lost the following two.
I don’t think I have anything more to give. This was a very tough week and I felt I didn’t have what it takes.
José Aldo
Aldo was referring to the difficulty of making weight, as he was unable to get close to the 136-pound limit for the bantamweight category. The fight was moved to the featherweight division, with a limit of 145 pounds.
Although Aldo started with energy, at the end of the fight he was seen on the ground, bleeding and receiving blows from Zahabi’s elbows.
I don’t want to go to war all the time and go through all this. I just don’t have any more in my heart. I think this is the last time you’ll see me. I can’t do this anymore.
José Aldo
Aldo became featherweight champion in 2009 in the UFC’s sister promotion, the WEC, and upon being absorbed by the UFC the following year, was named champion. He held the title until 2015, when Conor McGregor ended his 18-fight winning streak. Aldo won an interim title the following year, and after McGregor was stripped for not defending his belt, Aldo was again named champion. In 2017, he lost the title to Max Holloway.
