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via Getty

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Former UFC featherweight champion, Jose Aldo, recently announced the birth of his child and his subsequent retirement from the sport of MMA. The news became official when the UFC released him from his contract.

With the ‘King of Rio’ suddenly deciding to hang up his gloves, his fans and fellow UFC fighters took to their social media to congratulate the Brazilian for the illustrious run that he had in the UFC.

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Moreover, people all over the internet reminisced their favorite Jose Aldo moments. While there were many videos being shared, from his debut to his first championship victory, however, the one that was remembered the most, was his rivalry with, Conor McGregor.

Fan reaction to McGregor-Aldo rivalry

Fans praise the UFC for the massive hype that they created for the fight. A few of the comments said,

“The build-up for this fight is what sold me on MMA.”

“UFC promo team was on steroids then”

“the 2 goats of the game”

“Such a different and amazing time. Conor may not be the same man now, but damn, his come-up was amazing to watch.”

“To this day the most disappointed I have ever left a fight. I so badly wanted a do-over. “ 

Jose Aldo & Conor McGregor had the massive fight trailer

Jose Aldo had his biggest rivalry with former UFC double champ, Conor McGregor. Although very respectful and calm, Aldo admitted to having despised McGregor during the time of their rivalry.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Born in Poverty, Ex-UFC Champion Jose Aldo Giggling Like a Child After Wearing His First Suit

When the fight was announced, ‘Notorious’ was six fights fresh in the UFC. Moreover, was coming off of an interim title victory against Chad Mendes at UFC 189. Aldo, on the other hand, had already defended the title nine times and was one a decade-long run of an 18-fight undefeated streak.

The UFC put all the money behind this fight. There was a proper trailer that was shot in order to promote this fight. Furthermore, they also held a press conference in both Brazil and Ireland.

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The bout was scheduled as the main event of UFC 194. It’s safe to say the ring announcement lasted longer than the fight. McGregor’s mind games seemed to have affected Aldo. He charged in with a barrage of punches, however ‘the Notorious’ landed a counter left that cracked the Brazilian’s chin. Thus, knocking him out in just 13 seconds.

The shift in their attitude towards each other

Nevertheless, towards the end of Aldo’s career, he garnered a lot of respect from the Irishman. McGregor publicly showed his admiration for the Brazilian. Before Aldo’s last fight against Merab Dvalishvili, the ‘Mystic Mac’ shared a tweet praising Jose Aldo.

He wrote, “Aldo is such an incredible fighter! A real all-timer! How’s that other fat smell bag doing? How is it that he never lost but he is still a loser hahaha smelly shit pant rat. Let’s go, Aldo! A great fight with the little rocket level changer in Mirab. Can’t wait, I love fighting.”

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McGregor even threw some heat at his arch nemesis, Khabib Nurmagomedov, while praising Aldo in the tweet.

 

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It’s safe to say that McGregor and Jose Aldo play a massive role in each other’s careers. With Aldo calling it a day, he will definitely go as one of the greatest to ever grace the octagon.

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