Jose Aldo Jr. is essentially the most dominant featherweight champion the UFC has ever had. He started his skilled preventing profession in 2004 and finally made his option to the WEC in 2007. Referred to as the “King of Rio,” Aldo additionally grew to become the king of the 145-pound division. Each dream begins with a starting, and Aldo’s started in a small village on the sting of the Amazon rainforest. As a toddler, he was by chance burned on a grill, leaving him together with his recognizable facial scar. A future as a champion appeared unlikely. He first fell in love with soccer, however finally took his skills to fight sports activities.
At the moment, the UFC had not but introduced again its lighter weight courses. Nevertheless, the WEC promotion grew to become house to many fighters who would later change into family names within the UFC. The UFC considers the WEC belt a part of its title lineage, which is why, to today, any former WEC champions have their titles introduced by Bruce Buffer. In 2008, Aldo knocked out future UFC Hall of Famer Cub Swanson with a flying knee simply eight seconds into the primary spherical, making an announcement heard across the MMA world. In a short while, Jose Aldo Jr. grew to become a must-see fighter.
Aldo finally captured the WEC featherweight title earlier than being promoted to undisputed UFC champion when the promotion was absorbed. He went 9 years with out a loss, proving to the world that the lighter weight courses deserved respect on the worldwide stage.
Jose Aldo gave followers unforgettable moments within the sport, from brutalizing the legs of Urijah Faber to knocking out Chad Mendes.
The Ultimate Chapter: The King’s Return and a Legendary Farewell
Jose Aldo would finally lose his title to the present BMF champion, Max Holloway. In a call that perplexed followers on the time, Aldo introduced he could be altering weight courses, transferring all the way down to the 135-pound bantamweight division. There, he misplaced a extremely controversial determination to Marlon Moraes—but the UFC nonetheless granted him a title shot. After a hard-fought loss to present champion Merab Dvalishvili by determination in 2022, Aldo would announce a brief lived retirement, earlier than being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame the next 12 months.
In 2025, the UFC made a shock announcement: the King of Rio would return to the Octagon to face rising prospect Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, in his hometown. Aldo secured a call win, thrilling the Brazilian crowd. He fought twice extra in shedding efforts, together with his last bout being a call loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315.
One lingering sentiment amongst followers was that Aldo deserved his farewell combat in Brazil. That want was partially fulfilled at UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Gamrot on October 10 of this 12 months, when Jose Aldo Jr. made one last stroll to the UFC Octagon. Greeted by the thunderous roar of his hometown crowd, it was a reception actually worthy of a king.
Along with his iconic walkout track “Run This Town” by Jay-Z echoing by way of the world, and tears welling in his eyes, Aldo made the gradual, emotional stroll to battle one final time. Jose Aldo beloved what he did—and he did it higher than nearly anybody ever has. Watching him combat was like watching Picasso paint: a grasp at work, a Brazilian icon in his component.
Aldo kissed his UFC gloves earlier than laying them down within the heart of the cage, as is custom for retiring warriors. He was then joined by his family members, sharing on this emotional second. The admiration from commentators, followers, and fellow fighters is palpable.
Each fighter leaves a chunk of themselves within the Octagon. Some depart small items. Jose Aldo Jr. gave us each little bit of himself.
Thanks, King, for all you gave to this sport. Your legacy is everlasting.
