UFC legend Jose Aldo Jr. has returned to winning ways in boxing. The 36-year-old headlined the Shooto Brasil Boxing 2 event in Rio de Janeiro against the Argentine Esteban Gabriel Espindola. Aldo earned a unanimous decision win in the bout that went on for six three-minute rounds. With the win, Aldo is 3-0 up in his professional boxing career. The former UFC featherweight kingpin retired from the sport of MMA and left the company in September 2022.
A few months later, Aldo made his boxing debut against Emmanuel Zambrano in February 2023. The former WEC champion won the fight via unanimous decision. In April 2023, Aldo faced former opponent and ex-UFC featherweight contender Jeremy Stephens in Gamebred Boxing 4. The bout ended in a controversial majority draw that surprised the Brazilian. Now, Aldo has shaken off the surprise decision from April and proved his proficiency once again.
Jose Aldo maintains an undefeated boxing record
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Brazilian MMA icon Jose Aldo put on another masterclass to get back to winning ways in his boxing career. The ex-UFC featherweight icon styled on his opponent for six straight rounds to get a 60-54 score on all three judges’ scorecards. Notably, his opponent Esteban Espindola is yet to register a win in his pro boxing career.
Words we're quite used to hearing#ShootoBoxing2 pic.twitter.com/OnLGIKZnMW
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2023
Shooto Boxing 2 event went down on Sunday at the Upper Arena in Río de Janeiro. The fight card headlined by Aldo had 9 fights. The fight was a refresher for Aldo, who was left disappointed after his best efforts did not get him the judges’ nod against Jeremy Stephens at Gamebred Boxing 4.
What happened at Aldo vs. Stephens?
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Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens was a meeting of former foes in a different sport. Therefore, it had the interest of the MMA community. The Brazilian had more success in the early rounds, but Stephens slowly made his way back into the fight. Both stars gave their best in the final round before hugging it out in a show of respect.
While the fight became more competitive in the later rounds, many believed Aldo had done enough to get his hand raised. Therefore, the majority draw decision unsettled a large section of fight fans.
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A lot of them took to social media to protest the results as Aldo left the ring surprised and disappointed. Now, the 36-year-old has restored his confidence and showcased his class once more in a one-sided victory at Shooto Boxing 2. Did you watch Aldo’s performance? What are your thoughts on the win? Where does he go from here? Let us know in the comments below.
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