Is Jose Aldo retired?

Jose Aldo, a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who last competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the Bantamweight division as well as at Featherweight, and was the fourth and final WEC Featherweight Champion is retired.

Jose Aldo, 36, retired from the UFC, his team told ESPN on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022.

He announced his retirement the same day as the birth of his son, with one fight remaining on his UFC contract.

Aldo requested and was granted a release from his UFC contract, his coach and manager, Andre Pederneiras, told ESPN. The UFC has yet to comment on Aldo’s contract status.

Aldo won 18 straight fights from 2006 to 2014, including victories over fellow luminaries like Urijah Faber and Frankie Edgar. He also owns career wins over Marlon Vera, Chad Mendes (twice), Kenny Florian, Cub Swanson and Mike Brown.

After a stunning, 13-second knockout loss to Conor McGregor at UFC 194 in 2015, Aldo rebuilt his career, winning the featherweight title for a second time and then dropping down to bantamweight in 2019 and challenging for the belt there.

Before a loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 last month, Aldo was on a three-fight winning streak and closing in on another title shot.