Jose Aldo announced his retirement after losing a decision to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, saying in his post-fight interview that “I just don’t have it in my heart anymore”. Speaking to UFC Brazil moments later, he revealed he was dealing with significant injuries going into the event.
“This fight was hard,” Aldo said. “I had a muscle tear on the arm, I had something on the belly that I forgot the name, down there, [from] kicking a lot. I had some problems. A virus infection, a bunch of things. The doctors [said], ‘Get him out of the fight,’ but I didn’t want to because in my head I knew this could be my last fight.”
Aldo was coming off a disappointing defeat to Mario Bautista in October and went three hard rounds with Zahabi, going on to lose a controversial decision. The match was originally scheduled for 135 pounds, but was moved to featherweight after Aldo had issues cutting weight.
The former UFC and WEC featherweight champion ends his career with a MMA record of 32-10, going 8-0 in WEC and 14-9 in the UFC.
“I wanted to end here in Canada,” Aldo said. “I started here, and wanted to end here. I could end it in Brazil or some place else, but no. My story started here in Canada, this is where I first fought in the UFC against Mark Hominick. But it’s part [of life].”
The Brazilian legend said he wouldn’t have done things different had the UFC booked him against fellow veterans, such as Dominick Cruz, and said he already considered retirement before the event.
“I had that in mind already, was talking to [coach] ‘Dede’ [Pederneiras] and [Aldo’s wife] Viviane [Pereira], that I wanted to cross to the other side,” Aldo said. “I think it’s more of the mindset of getting in there — I wouldn’t say I was full of it, but to see I really have to cross to the other side. I always demand a lot from myself, but now I want to enjoy my family, be a father, pick up my kids at school. That’s what I want to do.”
Aldo also issued a statement on social media on Sunday, again suggesting this was likely his final fight, and thanking everyone for his time in the sport.
“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 l 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, sweat, and faith.
“Thank you, Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta. 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. Because I made history. Because I lived my dream. Because, above all, I stayed true to myself.
“José Aldo”
This is the second time Aldo has retired from the UFC. Aldo left MMA after losing to future champion Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022, transitioning to boxing and going 2-0-1 in the squared circle before eventually returning to the octagon in 2024. The 38-year-old has won one of three fights since.
