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José Aldo. Photo by Andrius Petrucenia.

Top 10 Little Known Facts about José Aldo

José Aldo da Silva Oliveira Júnior, better known as Jose Aldo, is a retired Brazilian professional MMA fighter. He most recently competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

He also fought at featherweight, becoming the fourth and final WEC Featherweight Champion. Following the UFC/WEC merger, he became the first UFC Featherweight Champion. Aldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, as well as the greatest featherweight ever.

Aldo remained undefeated for over a decade after his first MMA defeat in November 2005, winning 18 straight fights until UFC 194 in December 2015.  He was named Sherdog’s Fighter of the Year in 2009. Aldo was dubbed “the greatest featherweight in mixed martial arts history” in Sherdog’s April 2017 pound-for-pound ranking.

1. Aldo was thrown onto a barbecue as an infant

Barbecue fire. Photo by Josh Felise.

José Aldo was born in Manaus, Brazil, on September 9, 1986. Aldo was dropped onto a barbecue as an infant when his older sister Joseline threw his crib while they were playing, The incident left a permanent scar on his left cheek.

2. Aldo used to practice capoeira on the streets

Guys practicing capoeira on the streets. Photo by Nigel SB Photography.

But Aldo became tired of getting beaten up in street fights and began training in capoeira to learn how to defend himself better in brawls. Aldo used to practice capoeira on the streets after classes, attracting the attention of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor.

He invited Aldo to try jiu-jitsu for one session, and after the session, Aldo decided to leave capoeira and begin training jiu-jitsu. Aldo moved from Manaus to Rio de Janeiro at the age of 17 with only his clothes and the determination to train in mixed martial arts until he achieved success in the sport. At Nova Unio, he is a teammate and training partner of former UFC Bantamweight champion Renan Baro.

3. He fought his first professional fight at 17 years of age

José Aldo da Silva Oliveira Jnior, also known as “Junior,” made his professional MMA debut at the age of 17 on August 10, 2004, at EcoFight 1. He faced fellow countryman and newcomer Mário Bigola, whom he knocked out in only 16 seconds of the first round. Bigola’s first and only professional fight would take place.

4. Aldo’s second professional fight was stopped by a doctor

In his second fight for Shooto Brazil, Aldo faced fellow Brazilian Hudson Rocha. The fight was stopped by a doctor at the end of the first round due to a cut over Rocha’s left eye caused by Aldo’s flying knee followed by a barrage of punches. Rocha regained his feet only to be met with more strikes and a knee before Aldo kicked his legs out from under him.

5. He was defeated by Azevendo in less than four minutes

José Aldo. Photo by Maddox.

Aldo moved up to lightweight and faced respected Luta Livre black belt Luciano Azevedo at Jungle Fight 5. Aldo won the first round by winning most of the exchanges with solid combinations and leg kicks, stuffing Azevedo’s numerous takedown attempts and landing a solid knee as Azevedo went for a takedown.

In the second round, Aldo resisted Azevedo’s first few takedown attempts, but was eventually taken down against the ropes by a double leg. Aldo raised his hips in search of triangles and other submissions, but Azevedo easily countered.

Azevedo quickly moved to half-guard and side control. He then switched to full mount. Aldo quickly rolled into the ropes and gave up his back. The fight was restarted in the center of the ring by the referee, where Azevedo locked his legs around Aldo in a body triangle. Aldo held Azevedo’s hands for several seconds before falling back into the ring’s corner, where Azevedo locked in the fight-ending rear-naked choke 3:37 into round two. 

6. Aldo was the first-ever UFC Featherweight Champion 

World Extreme Cage fighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on October 28, 2010. All WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC as part of the merger. On Saturday, November 20, 2010, at UFC 123.

Aldo became the first-ever UFC Featherweight Champion, receiving the first-ever UFC featherweight title belt. His first defense was scheduled for UFC 125 against Josh Grispi. After suffering a neck injury, Aldo was forced to withdraw from UFC 125.

7. Aldo is best known for his Muay Thai-style

He is best known for his Muay Thai-style striking and leg kicks, as well as his defensive wrestling. He’s also a black belt in the native Brazilian Catch wrestling style Luta livre and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Since his fight with Mark Hominick, he has also trained in Muay Thai with Dutch shootboxer Andy Souwer.

Aldo received his black belt in Luta Livre on September 28, 2014, at Nova Unio, under the tutelage of Mestre Roberto Leito (10th Dan), Daniel F. A. Malvino “Pirata” (1st Dan), Marco Ruas (7th Dan), and Daniel D’dane (4th Dan).

8. He has the most wins and knockouts in UFC and WEC featherweight history

José Aldo. Photo by Andrius Petrucenia.

Conor McGregor knocked out Aldo in 13 seconds to end his epic five-year reign as the best Featherweight in MMA. Aldo has not been the same since, but given his talent, he has the ability to recover and reclaim the UFC Featherweight title.

He has the most wins and knockouts in UFC and WEC featherweight history, with 691 significant strikes landed in the UFC and WEC.

9. Aldo is a football fan

Football fans. Photo by Ronny Sison.

He is an avid football fan who cheers on Clube de Regatas do Flamengo and Chelsea FC of the English Premier League.

Throughout his adolescence, he was obsessed with football and aspired to be a professional. His father encouraged him to pursue his dreams. 

10. His retirement was announced the day his son was born

Aldo is married to Vivianne Perreira, a purple belt in jiu-jitsu and professional Muay Thai fighter. In 2012, their daughter was born. 

Aldo announced his retirement from MMA on September 18, 2022, the same day his son was born, with one fight remaining on his UFC contract. He was officially released and is now free to pursue other opportunities.