Former two-time featherweight champion José Aldo faced Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, hoping to reignite his quest for a UFC championship. However, following the bout, Aldo hinted at retirement from the Octagon.
On the day of the weigh-ins for UFC 315, the situation took a concerning turn for Aldo. The fight was initially scheduled to take place in the bantamweight division, but it was moved to the featherweight limit of 145 pounds after Aldo had difficulty making weight.
At the start of the fight, Aldo appeared to be in good form, displaying his signature leg kicks and boxing skills. He almost finished Zahabi in the early rounds but ultimately fell short, leaving him fatigued and constantly glancing at the clock. Zahabi defeated Aldo by unanimous decision, marking a tough night for the Brazilian fighter. Following the loss, Aldo removed his gloves and expressed doubts about his future in the sport, stating, “I don’t think I have it in me anymore.”
On Sunday, Aldo took to social media to share his thoughts, suggesting that he might step away from fighting. He wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “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.”
In his emotional statement, Aldo reflected on his journey. He mentioned, “Over the past few years, I rekindled the dream of becoming a champion once again. I trained as I always did, gave more than I ever had. But while cutting weight, something inside me said: ‘You don’t need to do this anymore.’ And I listened.”
Aldo went on to emphasize the importance of moving forward and cherishing his family. He expressed gratitude toward UFC President Dana White and co-founder Lorenzo Fertitta, stating, “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.”
He concluded his message by affirming his peace with the potential retirement, saying, “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’s legacy in the UFC is marked by explosive performances and numerous title defenses, making him a beloved figure in combat sports. His possible retirement comes after a valiant career filled with dedication and resilience. Fans and analysts alike will await to see what’s next for the “King of Rio.”
