In Rio de Janeiro, legendary fighter Jose Aldo declared on Saturday that he is permanently stepping away from all forms of combat sports, with no intention of returning.
The former WEC and UFC featherweight champion made his initial announcement regarding retirement shortly after his decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, which took place on May 10th in Montreal.
A day later, Aldo had issued a statement hinting, “This may have been my last time inside the octagon.” However, he followed up by holding a press conference at the Nova Uniao training center on Saturday to confirm unequivocally that he will not be returning to MMA, boxing, or any other competitive combat sport.
Speaking directly about his future, Aldo was resolute: “No, I don’t see myself fighting.” He clarified the motivation behind his recent return to the UFC in 2024: “When I went back, it wasn’t for money, it was for a purpose I had, a calling. I tried doing it and it didn’t work. I gave my all and was happy with everything I’ve achieved.” He emphasized the finality of his decision, stating, “There’s no fight that would make me come back.” Joking about training in the distant future, he added, “To put the gi, to spar, or do anything, 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.”
Aldo had previously stepped away from MMA in 2022 after his three-fight winning streak was ended by future UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili. He then pursued a career in boxing, where he earned two victories and a draw against Jeremy Stephens, before eventually signing once again with the UFC.
The Brazilian icon`s most recent run in the UFC included a win over Jonathan Martinez in his native Rio de Janeiro, but was followed by decision defeats to Mario Bautista and Zahabi. Aldo firmly stated that no opponent or financial offer could persuade him to compete again.
Reiterating his focus shift, Aldo said, “No, I have another purpose in life, another path.” He reinforced his lack of desire for further competition: “Offer me any fight, wherever it is, I don’t want to. I don’t see myself fighting anymore, or training, or doing anything like that.” While he ruled out personal competition, he offered to help others: “Of course, I do see myself training here to help my friends. 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.” He drew a clear line for himself, however: “But to specifically put a gi or anything like that to fight, never again.”
Jose Aldo concludes his illustrious professional combat sports career with a record of 32 wins and 10 losses. Throughout his career, he defeated a long list of notable opponents, including Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, Mike Brown, and Cub Swanson. Moving forward, he stated his priority is to spend quality time at home with his wife and two children.
