Following his decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, Jose Aldo announced his potential retirement, stating in a post-fight interview that “I just don`t have it in my heart anymore.”
Speaking shortly after to UFC Brazil, the legendary fighter revealed he was dealing with multiple significant injuries heading into the event.
Aldo detailed the physical ailments: “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.” He added that doctors had advised him to pull out of the fight, but he chose not to because he felt it might be his final time competing.
The bout followed a disappointing defeat to Mario Bautista in October. Aldo went the full three rounds against Zahabi, ultimately losing a controversial decision. The fight was initially scheduled for bantamweight but was moved up to featherweight due to weight cutting difficulties for Aldo.
Aldo concludes his storied MMA career with a record of 32 wins and 10 losses, including an undefeated 8-0 run in WEC and a 14-9 record in the UFC.
He expressed a desire to end his career in Canada, where he made his UFC debut against Mark Hominick, noting, “I started here, and wanted to end here… But it’s part [of life].”
Aldo stated that facing fellow veterans like Dominick Cruz wouldn`t have altered his approach and confirmed that he had already been contemplating retirement before the event.
He shared his discussions with coach `Dede` Pederneiras and wife Viviane Pereira about “crossing to the other side,” emphasizing his desire to prioritize family life. “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 explained.
On Sunday, Aldo also posted a statement on social media, further suggesting the fight was likely his last and offering gratitude for his time in the sport.
His social media message read in part: “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 marks the second time Aldo has retired from the UFC. He previously stepped away after a loss to Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022 to pursue boxing, where he achieved a 2-0-1 record, before returning to the octagon in 2024. Since his return, the 38-year-old has secured one win in three fights.
