In Rio de Janeiro, Jose Aldo confirmed on Saturday that he is permanently stepping away from combat sports, stating he will never come back.
The former WEC and UFC featherweight champion initially hinted at retirement shortly after his decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10th.
A day later, he released a statement suggesting it “may have been” his last octagon appearance. However, at a press conference held at Nova Uniao`s training center this Saturday, Aldo definitively confirmed he will not return to MMA, boxing, or any other form of combat sport.
Aldo stated emphatically, “No, I don’t see myself fighting.” He explained that his return to the UFC in 2024 was driven by a specific purpose, not financial gain, but that attempt “didn’t work.” He expressed contentment with his career achievements, adding, “There’s no fight that would make me come back.”
He joked that the only possibility of training or sparring would be in five years, by which time he`d be nearly 50, making a fighting return impossible – “there’s no calling.”
Aldo had previously stepped away from MMA in 2022 following a loss to future UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili, which ended a three-fight win streak. He then transitioned to boxing, securing two wins and one draw (against Jeremy Stephens) before ultimately re-signing with the UFC.
Upon his return to the octagon, the Brazilian legend defeated Jonathan Martinez in Rio de Janeiro, but subsequently faced decision losses against Mario Bautista and, most recently, Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo was resolute that no opponent or financial offer could sway his decision to stay retired.
“No, I have another purpose in life, another path,” Aldo stated firmly. “Offer me any fight, wherever it is, I don’t want to. I don’t see myself fighting anymore, or training, or doing anything like that [competitively].”
He clarified that he would still train to assist his friends, acknowledging the difficulty of the sport: “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 for himself, he emphasized, “But to specifically put a gi or anything like that to fight, never again.”
Aldo concludes his illustrious combat sports career with a professional record of 32 wins and 10 losses. He leaves behind a legacy marked by victories over numerous prominent fighters, including Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, Mike Brown, and Cub Swanson. He now plans to dedicate his time to being present with his wife and two children.
