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UFC Legend Sends a Clear Message on Return to Octagon 'Never Again'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated May 19, 2025 12:18 PM ET

UFC 315 in Montreal Canada featured a packed arena, standout performances, and a gritty main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena in a brutal slugfest that went the distance. While the night delivered competitive action from start to finish, one of the biggest stories came from a legend who opted to hang up his gloves for good—on his own terms.

Former featherweight king Jose Aldo, 38, of Brazil, returned to action on the UFC 315 card in Montreal. Facing Canadian bantamweight Aiemann Zahabi, Aldo lost a close unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 29-28 across the board. Despite a strong showing that had many fans and fighters questioning the result, Aldo left no doubt afterward—retirement was final. Following the fight, he placed his gloves in the center of the Octagon and later addressed speculation of a return.

In comments reported by MMAFighting, Aldo made his stance crystal clear: ‘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... But to specifically put a gi or anything like that to fight, never again.’

Aldo retires with a professional MMA record of 32-10. His accolades include being the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion, defending that title a record seven times, and going undefeated for nearly a decade. A future Hall of Famer, Aldo exits as one of MMA’s most decorated athletes. His influence on Brazilian MMA, the featherweight division, and the sport as a whole will be remembered for generations.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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