Pros React To Jose Aldo’s Retirement – ‘ One Of The Best’

Jose Aldo announced his retirement after his UFC 315 loss to Aiemann Zahabi, as MMA insiders gave their reaction. 

Aldo headed into the fight with issues over the weight. The fight was meant to be at bantamweight but was moved to featherweight, as he could not make the weight. However, Aldo showed no signs early on that he was suffering. He started with strong jabs and kicks to keep Zahabi at bay. He also landed counters, which cut Zahabi’s eye in the second round.

Aldo even dropped his man in the third with a right hand, followed by a knee. However, he failed to secure the finish, allowing Zahabi a chance. The latter responded well, landing elbows from the top, which punished Aldo. He took the decision on the scorecards after which Aldo confirmed his retirement. He leaves the sport with a 32-10-0 record, having been the former UFC Featherweight Champion who defended his belt seven times. 

Aldo Reacts

“This may have been my last time inside the Octagon. This week, I faced one of the biggest battles of my life, and it wasn’t against an opponent, but within myself. Over the past few years, I rekindled the dream of becoming a champion once again. I trained as I always did, gave…more than I ever had. But while cutting weight, something inside me said: “You don’t need to do this anymore.

“And I listened. It’s time 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 and faith. Thank you, Dana White and @lorenzofertita. Thank you to the UFC. And most of all — thank you, my fans. You were the fuel behind every walk to the cage. You made me a king. If this was my farewell, know that I leave in peace. With a heart full of gratitude and my head held high,” Aldo said