Jose Aldo has definitively confirmed his retirement from the sport of MMA.
The former two-time UFC Featherweight Champion had hinted that his fighting career was over following his bout at UFC 315.
Jose Aldo faced a decision defeat against Aiemann Zahabi, a teammate of Georges St-Pierre, during the event last weekend.
After the fight, `Scarface` visibly signaled his retirement by placing his gloves on the canvas and later suggested in an emotional post-fight interview inside the Octagon that he was very likely done with mixed martial arts.
Jose Aldo gives clear retirement statement
Because Aldo`s initial comments weren`t completely final, some fans held onto hope that he might eventually compete again. However, he has now explicitly dismissed any talk of a comeback during a recent press conference held at the Nova Uniao training center on Saturday.
“No, I don`t see myself fighting,” Aldo stated firmly.
He explained his return to the UFC in 2024 wasn`t motivated by money but by a specific purpose or calling. “I tried doing it and it didn`t work. I gave my all and was happy with everything I`ve achieved.”
Aldo was clear about his future, saying, “There`s no fight that would make me come back. To put the gi, to spar, or do anything, only in five years.” He added, “Thank God, I`ll be almost 50 in five years, so there`s no possibility of fighting, there`s no calling.”
Aldo will focus on helping teammates, not competing
Following his retirement fight, Jose Aldo received tributes from fellow fighters, including former two-time UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, Max Holloway, and Conor McGregor, who all shared positive remarks about their former opponent.
Despite this, Aldo is determined to fully step away from the competitive aspect of fighting for the next several years.
He reiterated, “I have another purpose in life, another path. Offer me any fight, wherever it is, I don`t want to.”
While he won`t be fighting himself, he expressed his willingness to support others: “I don`t see myself fighting anymore, or training, or doing anything like that. Of course, I do see myself training here to help my friends. I know how hard that is, so if I can help in any way with the experience I have, I will help with all my heart. But to specifically put a gi or anything like that to fight, never again.”
Jack Thornley