Jose Aldo announced his retirement after losing his decision to Ayman Zajabi at UFC 315, saying in a postwar interview he “don’t have it in his heart anymore.” Speaking to UFC Brazil, he revealed that he is dealing with serious injuries attending the event.
“This fight was tough,” Aldo said. “I had a muscle cleft in my arm, I forgot my name in my belly. There were a lot of problems. I had a lot of virus infection, lots of things.
Aldo was in a disappointing defeat to Mario Bautista in October, making a controversial decision with Zajabi three hard rounds. The match was originally scheduled for 135 pounds, but was moved to featherweight due to problems with Aldo losing weight.
The former UFC and WEC featherweight champion finished his career with a 32-10 MMA record, making it 8-0 in the WEC and 14-9 in the UFC.
“I wanted to finish here in Canada,” Aldo said. “I wanted to start here and end here. I could end in Brazil and elsewhere, but my story started in Canada. I was the first to fight Mark Hominick and the UFC. But that’s part of (life).”
Brazilian legend says that if the UFC had booked him for fellow veterans like Dominic Cruz, he would not have done anything differently, and he said he was already considering resigning before the event.
“I was already talking with (coach) ‘Dede’ (Pedel Neilas) and (Aldo’s wife) Vivienne (Pereira). “I think that’s the way of thinking about getting in there. I’m not saying I was full of it, but to see that I really have to cross the other side. I always demand a lot of myself, but now I want to enjoy my family, be a father, have kids at school. That’s what I want to do.”
Aldo also issued a social media statement on Sunday. This once again suggests that this is likely his final fight and thank everyone for his time in the sport.
“This might have been my last time in the octagon.
“This week I was faced with one of the biggest battles of my life, and it was against me, not against my opponent, but within myself.
“Over the past few years, I have rekindled my dream of becoming a champion again. I trained as usual, gave me more than ever, and I’ve heard.
“It’s time to move forward. To live for my wife, to live for my children. To celebrate the stories I wrote in every war, every belt makes money through blood, sweat and faith.
“Thanks to Dana White and Lorenzo Fertita. Thank you to the UFC. Above all – my fans. You were behind every walk to the cage.
“If this was my breakup, know that I will leave in peace. I hold my heart and head full of gratitude, because I made history, because I lived my dreams.
“Jose 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 and moved to boxing, eventually moving on to 2-0-1 before returning to the Octagon in 2024.