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Jose Aldo offically announces retirement

Originally posted on MMA Weekly | By Jeff Cain | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 11:53 PM ET

When former UFC featherweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo made the walk to the octagon at UFC 315 in May, it was his last. "The King of Rio" fittingly made his retirement official during last weekend's UFC Fight Night event in Rio de Janeiro. He entered the cage to the cheers of the crowd and left his gloves in the octagon.

Aldo won the 145-pound championship at WEC 44 in November 2009, defeating Mike Brown via TKO. He became the inaugural UFC featherweight champion following his WEC 51 title defense in 2010. He held the title until 2006 when he lost to Conor McGregor via knockout.

Aldo would win back the featherweight championship at UFC 200, defeating Frankie Edgar by unanimous decision. He'd lose to Max Holloway to end his second title reign.

The King of Rio Jose Aldo

What a moment #UFCRio | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/AA2DbYfb2x
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 11, 2025

It's the second time the 39 year-old has retired. On September 18, 2022, Aldo announced his retirement the same day his son was born. He came out of retirement in May 2024, defeating Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision in Rio.

The Brazilian would lose his final two fights, although via controversial decisions. Aldo holds multiple UFC records including the most successful title defenses in featherweight history with seven. He's fought in the most title fights in featherweight history and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.

This article first appeared on MMA Weekly and was syndicated with permission.

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