Quite possibly the G.O.A.T. of the UFC Featherweight Division, Jose “The King of Rio” Aldo Jr., has announced his retirement. Aldo originally had one fight left on his contract, which his management team negotiated him out of. This is a stark contrast to the recent controversy of Nick Diaz’s release from the UFC. Thankfully for Aldo, he was not punished by the company for wanting to end his contract and was able to leave on his own terms.  

Aldo, now 36, had been thinking of retirement for a while and had mentioned it to his last opponent Merab Dvalishvili after Aldo lost to him, which ended a three-fight win streak. As many fans are sad to see him go, many are also glad to see him leave with his head held high unlike some of his former colleagues such as Cowboy Cerrone or Joanna Jedrzejczyk, who retired this year after some particularly brutal losses and knockouts.

Additionally, it is a pleasure to see one of the greatest fighters, who have been around since the early days of the UFC, close off his career in a manner where he can be celebrated rather than pitied, such as many had for the Diaz brothers.  

Aldo’s resume is astounding, closing with a 21-7 record. This record is even more impressive considering he was a two-time UFC Featherweight Champion and was undefeated for over a decade with eighteen straight wins, including seven title defenses. The GOAT’s legendary leg kicks, takedown defense, and ability to evolve with the younger competition leave him retiring still at the top of the division, and cement his title as one of the best fighters of all time.