RIO DE JANEIRO — Jose Aldo introduced Saturday he’s strolling away from fight sports activities, by no means to return again.
The previous WEC and UFC featherweight champion introduced his retirement moments after dropping a choice to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, which went down Might 10 in Montreal.
A day later, Aldo issued a press release through which he stated, “This will likely have been my final time contained in the octagon,” however held a press convention at Nova Uniao’s coaching middle Saturday to verify he’s not returning to MMA, boxing, or any kind of fight sport.
“No, I don’t see myself preventing,” Aldo stated. “After I went again [to the UFC in 2024], it wasn’t for cash, it was for a goal I had, a calling. I attempted doing it and it didn’t work. I gave my all and was pleased with every little thing I’ve achieved. There’s no struggle that will make me come again. To place the gi, to spar, or do something, solely in 5 years. Thank God I’ll be virtually 50 in 5 years, so there’s no risk of preventing, there’s no calling.”
Aldo walked away from MMA for the primary time in 2022, when he had a three-fight successful streak snapped by future UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili. He opted to go to boxing, the place he received two matches and went to a draw with Jeremy Stephens, and ultimately re-signed with the UFC.
The Brazilian legend defeated Jonathan Martinez in his first struggle again in Rio de Janeiro, however then misplaced choices to Mario Bautista and Zahabi. Aldo stated no title or supply would persuade him to return.
“No, I’ve one other goal in life, one other path,” Aldo stated. “Provide me any struggle, wherever it’s, I don’t need to. I don’t see myself preventing anymore, or coaching, or doing something like that. In fact, I do see myself coaching right here to assist my mates. I understand how laborious that’s, so if I will help in any manner with the expertise I’ve, I’ll assist with all my coronary heart. However to particularly put a gi or something like that to struggle, by no means once more.”
Aldo leaves the game with a file of 32-10 and a protracted listing of notable victims, from Frankie Edgar to Urijah Faber to Chad Mendes to Mike Brown to Cub Swanson, and can now concentrate on being current at residence along with his spouse and two children.
