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 shedding a call to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, which went down Might 10 in Montreal.
A day later, Aldo issued a press release wherein he stated, “This may occasionally have been my final time contained in the octagon,” however held a press convention at Nova Uniao’s coaching middle Saturday to substantiate he’s not returning to MMA, boxing, or any kind of fight sport.
“No, I don’t see myself combating,” Aldo stated. “Once 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 battle that might 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 chance of combating, 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 gained 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 battle again in Rio de Janeiro, however then misplaced selections to Mario Bautista and Zahabi. Aldo stated no title or provide would persuade him to return.
“No, I’ve one other goal in life, one other path,” Aldo stated. “Supply me any battle, wherever it’s, I don’t wish to. I don’t see myself combating anymore, or coaching, or doing something like that. After all, I do see myself coaching right here to assist my pals. I understand how exhausting 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 battle, by no means once more.”
Aldo leaves the game with a document of 32-10 and a protracted record of notable victims, from Frankie Edgar to Urijah Faber to Chad Mendes to Mike Brown to Cub Swanson, and can now give attention to being current at house along with his spouse and two youngsters.
