Following his decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, legendary mixed martial artist Jose Aldo announced his retirement. In a post-fight interview, he explained his decision by stating, “I just don’t have it in my heart anymore.” Speaking to UFC Brazil shortly after, Aldo disclosed that he entered the fight while dealing with notable injuries.
“This fight was hard,” Aldo said. “I had a muscle tear on the arm, I had something on the belly that I forgot the name, down there, [from] kicking a lot. I had some problems. A virus infection, a bunch of things. The doctors [said], ‘Get him out of the fight,’ but I didn’t want to because in my head I knew this could be my last fight.”
This bout followed a prior defeat to Mario Bautista in October. Aldo went three challenging rounds with Zahabi, ultimately losing a decision that proved controversial. The fight was originally scheduled for the bantamweight division (135 pounds) but was moved up to featherweight (145 pounds) after Aldo experienced difficulties with his weight cut.
The former UFC and WEC Featherweight Champion concludes his distinguished mixed martial arts career with an overall record of 32 wins and 10 losses. His record includes a perfect 8-0 run in the WEC and a 14-9 record within the UFC.
Aldo expressed a specific desire to end his career in Canada, where his UFC journey began.
“I wanted to end here in Canada,” Aldo said. “I started here, and wanted to end here. I could end it in Brazil or some place else, but no. My story started here in Canada, this is where I first fought in the UFC against Mark Hominick. But it’s part [of life].”
The Brazilian icon stated that facing other veteran opponents, such as Dominick Cruz, would not have altered his decision. He also revealed that retirement had been a consideration even before the UFC 315 event.
“I had that in mind already, was talking to [coach] ‘Dede’ [Pederneiras] and [Aldo’s wife] Viviane [Pereira], that I wanted to cross to the other side,” Aldo shared. He elaborated on his perspective: “I think it’s more of the mindset of getting in there — I wouldn’t say I was full of it, but to see I really have to cross to the other side. I always demand a lot from myself, but now I want to enjoy my family, be a father, pick up my kids at school. That’s what I want to do.”
On Sunday, Aldo further addressed his potential retirement and thanked key figures and fans via a statement on social media.
In his statement, he described the week leading up to the fight as one of his biggest battles, fought internally rather than against an opponent. He reflected on his attempt to rekindle the dream of becoming champion again and giving his maximum effort in training. However, he revealed that during the weight cutting process, an inner voice told him, “You don`t need to do this anymore,” which he chose to follow.
He expressed his readiness “To move forward. To live for my wife, for my kids. To celebrate the story I wrote with every war, every belt earned through blood, sweat, and faith.” He extended gratitude to Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, the UFC, and particularly his fans, calling them his “fuel” who “made me a king.”
Concluding his message, Aldo stated that if this was indeed 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.”
This marks the second time the 38-year-old Brazilian has stepped away from active competition in MMA. He previously retired in August 2022 after a loss to Merab Dvalishvili, subsequently competing in boxing with a 2-0-1 record. He made a return to the Octagon in 2024, competing three times and securing one victory before this latest announcement.
