UFC News: Jose Aldo Confirms Official Status on Retirement – “Getting Things Done…”

Jose Aldo‘s contract with the UFC has expired, but he’s nowhere near done. The legendary former UFC featherweight champion, who retired briefly in 2021, was back in action at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro earlier this month. ‘Junior’ made a triumphant return against the leg-kick maestro Jonathan Martinez in their co-main event bantamweight bout, which he won via a clear unanimous decision.

This fight, however, was the last fight on Aldo’s current UFC contract, and many felt that the Brazilian was looking to fight out his contract and would probably retire on his home turf after it. But, that turned out to not be the case as Aldo, in his post-fight octagon interview and subsequent press conference, promised to keep on going. UFC’s first featherweight champion joined Ariel Helwani’s ‘MMA Hour Show’ on YouTube, where the veteran journalist asked Aldo about his plans and whether he sees himself continuing with the UFC.

‘Junior’ while admitting there were various offers from different fight promotions, including the UFC on the table, but his representatives were sitting with UFC executives to negotiate another contract with the UFC. “You know they’re [Aldo’s representatives] sitting there with Sean Shelby just getting things done,” he said through an interpreter.

After fighting thrice in the span of 12  months in 2021-22, the Brazilian announced his retirement after a unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 in August ’22. Aldo revealed that during his two-decade MMA career, he did not take any time off or breaks from fighting and training, which is why the time off was so beneficial for him. And now, Aldo is looking to go back to where he belongs: at the pinnacle of the sport

Jose Aldo eyes another UFC championship

Speaking about his UFC 301 victory over Martinez, the 37-year-old expressed satisfaction at his performance. But not one to rest on his laurels, Aldo made clear that he was focused on what he could accomplish professionally in the future.

“I think that in the fight I was able to show a lot of things I can do: that I’m an MMA fighter, that I’m a complete fighter. So now the conversation is about what can we show in the future and the things we can accomplish,” he said.

In addition, the former champion claimed that money wasn’t as important to him at this point in his career. “It’s not about the money anymore,” Aldo told Helwani. His goals were much loftier: another UFC championship. “It’s not about the money anymore… It’s more about what I can accomplish,” Aldo told Helwani,” he added.

Aldo, after defending his featherweight title ten times between 2009 and 2014, lost the crown to Conor McGregor via a spectacular 13-second knockout that elevated the Irishman to superstardom. Although he was able to win it back in his very next fight against Frankie Edgar, he lost it to Max Holloway soon after.

The Brazilian then moved down to the 135-pound bantamweight division, where he fought Petr Yan for the title after a few fights. His bantamweight title hopes were dashed, however, as the Russian managed to stop the former 145-pound champion in the fifth round. And Aldo is determined to change that and become a UFC champion again.

What are your thoughts on Aldo’s comments?