On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the world of mixed martial arts witnessed a significant moment as one of its greatest fighters, José Aldo, announced his retirement after a hard-fought battle at UFC 315 in Montreal, Canada. Aldo faced the rising star Aiemann Zahabi and, despite his valiant efforts, lost by unanimous decision, marking his third defeat in the last four fights.
The event, held at the Bell Centre, was highly anticipated, especially with Aldo, a two-time featherweight champion and a legend in the sport, taking center stage. Aldo's career has been nothing short of remarkable, with seven consecutive title defenses, the most in the history of the featherweight division. However, the fight against Zahabi, who was riding a five-fight win streak, proved to be a challenging test.
Originally scheduled for the bantamweight division, the fight was shifted to featherweight after Aldo struggled to make weight, weighing in at 64.8 kg, above the bantamweight limit of 61.2 kg. Zahabi, on the other hand, weighed 64.4 kg, also above the bantamweight threshold. The change in weight class allowed Aldo to avoid a drastic cut, but it also added pressure for both fighters.
In the octagon, Aldo showcased his trademark aggression early on, landing 24 significant strikes in the first round with an impressive accuracy of 56%. However, Zahabi countered effectively, landing 33 significant strikes and maintaining a strategic approach. As the fight progressed, Zahabi increased his intensity, landing 48 strikes in the second round compared to Aldo's 31. The Canadian fighter's precision and volume began to wear Aldo down, who appeared visibly fatigued as the rounds wore on.
The third round was pivotal, with Zahabi dominating the exchanges. He landed 38 significant strikes while Aldo managed only 24. Although Aldo scored a knockdown early in the round, it was not enough to shift the momentum. Zahabi's strategy of utilizing jabs and combinations effectively neutralized Aldo's attacks, leading to a unanimous decision victory.
After the fight, Aldo reflected on his career and the challenges he faced, stating, "Dana, thank you for everything, Sean Shelby, Lorenzo Fertitta, everyone at the UFC, I just have to thank everyone. But this week was really tough—not about the weight, but I was fighting with my mind to try to be champion again. But I think it's time to stop. I have to enjoy my family, my kids. When I was making weight, something in my heart told me I didn't need to make weight anymore. I let it go. If there was a fight, I would have it; if not, I didn't want to fight anymore. So I think this is the last time you will see me in here. This doesn't belong to my life anymore."
This announcement marks Aldo's second retirement from MMA; he previously retired in 2022 but returned to the sport. With a career record of 32 wins and 9 losses, Aldo leaves behind a legacy that includes being the first UFC featherweight champion and a pioneer for Brazilian fighters in the sport.
The fight also sparked conversations among fans and analysts about Aldo's future. Many expressed support for the fighter, while others questioned whether he should continue competing at 38 years old. The hashtag #UFC315 trended on social media, reflecting the impact of the event.
As for Zahabi, the victory places him in a promising position within the featherweight division. His performance against a legendary fighter like Aldo is expected to open doors for future matchups against ranked opponents. Zahabi, trained by his brother Firas Zahabi at the renowned Tristar Gym, has developed a reputation for his technical boxing and strategic fighting style.
The UFC 315 event was not only significant for Aldo and Zahabi but also featured two title fights and other notable bouts, including Brazilian fighters like Natália Silva and Jéssica Andrade. The Montreal crowd was electric, especially with local fighters competing, adding to the atmosphere of the night.
In conclusion, while José Aldo's fight against Aiemann Zahabi did not end in victory, it served as a poignant chapter in the life of a fighter who has inspired countless fans and athletes around the world. His contributions to MMA are indelible, and as he steps away from the octagon, the legacy of the "Rei do Rio" will continue to resonate in the sport.
