Jose Aldo Honored at UFC Rio Farewell After MMA Retirement
Jose Aldo, known as the “King of Rio,” was honored in a heartfelt farewell ceremony at UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Gamrot in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event marked an emotional sendoff for the MMA icon in front of his dedicated home crowd.
The Final Walk to the Octagon
During the main card event, Aldo made his way to the Octagon for the last time, accompanied by his signature walkout song. He carried a pair of UFC gloves, which he placed in the center of the cage, symbolizing his official retirement from mixed martial arts.
A Career Retrospective
- Aldo, 39, faced challenges in his recent career, losing three of his last four fights since 2022.
- His most recent bout was a decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 in May.
- Though he did not announce his retirement at that time, he expressed doubts about maintaining his competitive edge.
Legacy in the UFC
This isn’t Aldo’s first retirement from the sport. He briefly stepped back in 2022 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023. However, his latest announcement signifies a definitive end to his fighting career.
- Aldo was the WEC featherweight champion before the UFC merged with that organization in 2011.
- He became the inaugural UFC 145-pound champion and holds the records for both the most total and the most consecutive featherweight title defenses in UFC history.
- His title reign concluded in 2015 after a defeat to Conor McGregor, and he has primarily fought at 135 pounds since 2019.
Jose Aldo leaves behind a remarkable legacy in mixed martial arts, celebrated for his achievements and contributions to the sport. His farewell is a testament to the impact he has made on the UFC and its fans.
