UFC 315 may go down in history not just for the controversial outcome, but as the final curtain for one of the sport’s most iconic legends. Jose Aldo, the man who once ruled the featherweight division with unrelenting aggression, hinted at retirement after a contentious decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi. But as the dust settles, fans and insiders alike are asking: Did Aldo deserve to lose and is this truly the end?

Heading into the Montreal showdown, tensions were already brewing. The fight had originally been set at 135 pounds. But when Aldo missed weight by a staggering eight pounds, the bout was quietly shifted to featherweight. It blindsided Zahabi’s camp and raised questions about fairness and professionalism.

Still, the two men touched gloves, and the fight was on. In Round 1, Aldo came out with flashes of his old brilliance. He was snapping leg kicks, fast hands, a masterclass in pressure. But the momentum didn’t last.

During the post-fight presser, UFC Media Executive Dave Shaw sat down to discuss the event as he addressed Team Dana White’s statement regarding Aldo’s retirement. With a tone of high regard for the legend, Dave Shaw said: “Yeah and I, I don’t know whether I was confused or he just sort of ran out of gas, but you know that flurry that had the kick followed by Aiemann, sort of crunch on the close side um, at least on Dana’s side of the octagon. I was confused at you know at what point did he either run out of gas or, did he get did he get smoked because he kind of went from being on full offense to now on defense. And then clearly ran out of steam at the end of the fight. Um, what’s my reaction? I mean he’s King of Rio, he’s one of the most important athletes we’ve had in our sport.”

He further added, “He, despite like an illustrious career you know, has had these fights where he’s, you know, absolutely looked like he’s got it like he …he came to fight first couple rounds like we were all so impressed. Um, I mean this is a decision that he’s got to make for himself, for his family. Uh but no matter what he decides, he’s leaving a really important legacy in not only Brazil, but the world of MMA. Long live WEC.”

What followed was a rather shocking push towards this sentiment when Daniel Cormier saw Aldo taking his gloves off after the fight. ‘DC’ asked Aldo, “Are you walking away?’ To which Aldo responded with: “I just don’t think I have it anymore. I don’t want to go into war all the time, and go through this. I just don’t have it in my heart anymore. I think this is the last time you’re going to see me.” Shocking the whole MMA community as the fan favorite says goodbye to the sport.

Certainly, the departure of a legend of Aldo’s stature is going to be painful. The intensity, passion and aggression he brought to the Octagon are considered by UFC President and CEO Dana White the “foundation” of the UFC.

But what could be the reason behind Aldo retiring so abruptly, despite making a comeback from his first retirement just in 2024? Let’s read further and find out.

Jose Aldo rides back into the sunset after UFC 315 defeat

At UFC 278 in 2022, a 35-year-old Jose Aldo announced his retirement from the sport of MMA as he left his gloves in the Octagon after being beaten by the current bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. In what was a breaking point for ‘The King of Rio’, he stated that he has accomplished his objectives in the sport, and that he is satisfied with his MMA  career, especially in the UFC, saying: “I’m very happy and satisfied with everything I did in MMA, especially in the UFC.”

Following his retirement, Aldo ventured into boxing, where he competed three times, winning his first and third fights. In his second boxing bout, he clashed against a former UFC fighter and veteran in Jeremy Stephens, and both fighters sent us back to their UFC days in a fight that led to a draw. His brief career in boxing ended with a victory over Esteban Espíndola, after which he made a return to the UFC.

“I needed my time off, and I had my time off. I recovered. Now I’m back in and of course, fighting for the belt and becoming the champion, becoming the best. That’s, of course, what my goal will be… That’s gonna be make a difference as well, my boxing level in there. But, just the desire of wanting to come back and wanting to put on a show, I think that’s gonna say a lot.” This is what Aldo had to say after making his return to the octagon at UFC 301 after dominantly defeating a prospect in Jonathan Martinez.

Following this outstanding performance, there were signs of Aldo’s weight-cut struggles. The former UFC featherweight champion, now at 38 years old, is less war-ready and more war-torn. His victory over Martinez was a beacon of hope for many who thought Aldo had one more run left in him. But this would turn out to be his last victory. At UFC 307, Aldo lost to Mario Bautista by unanimous decision. One of the greatest strikers in the UFC had become the victim of time.

Whether this was the last ride or just another pause in the story, Jose Aldo’s place in MMA history is secure. From WEC dominance to UFC gold, Aldo is a once-in-a-generation athlete. He surely has a plan for his future. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.