Alexandre Loureiro/Zuffa LLC through Getty Pictures
José Aldo turned again the clocks another time with a unanimous determination win over Jonathan Martinez in what might be his last battle with the promotion at UFC 301.
UFC Information @UFCNews
#UFC301 Official End result: José Aldo (30-27, 30-27, 30-27 | @josealdojunior) defeats Jonathan Martinez by Unanimous Determination
Outcomes, Interviews & Extra ➡️ https://t.co/JWamV7EESN
UFC @ufc
Aldo might be 37 years old but you wouldn’t have known that to watch him in the first round. He established that he meant business in the opening round, stinging Martinez with multiple right hands.
Shaheen Al-Shatti @shaunalshatti
Jose Aldo out here at 37 years old in a weight class that never made sense for him still fast as all hell. What a marvel this man is. #UFC301
The momentum kept going for Aldo in the second round. He neutralized Martinez’s kicking game with smart boxing and movement that gave him a crucial advantage in a three-round fight.
What was supposed to be a coronation of Martinez as an up-and-coming contender turned into a full-blown celebration of Aldo’s longevity in the third round. He landed heavy shots and ended the final round on top to put the finishing touches on a legendary performance.
Nolan King @mma_kings
Y’all must’ve forgot: Jose Aldo edition #UFC301
Mike Bohn @MikeBohn
If that’s truly Jose Aldo’s final UFC fight, that’s one of the best ways for a legend to go out in history. Up there with Robbie Lawler, but far more impressive level of competition. #UFC301
Martinez had nothing but respect for the legend after the bout:
ESPN MMA @espnmma
Respect between Aldo and Martinez after their fight 🤝 #UFC301 pic.twitter.com/pGig0dZ5IA
Aldo initially announced his retirement in September 2022 coming off a loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Nevertheless, he determined to make a minimum of another stroll to the Octagon with only one battle remaining on his UFC contract at 37 years previous.
Although this may be the top of seeing him compete beneath the UFC banner, he hasn’t closed the door to competing in different capacities.
“We now have numerous presents,” Aldo mentioned, per Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports activities. “We might have a boxing match lined up fairly rapidly if we wished to try this. I instructed them, ‘Let’s wait. Let me go in there and placed on a efficiency. We’ll speak after that to see if we’ll renew a deal or not.'”
Aldo boxed 3 times in 2023 going 1-0-1. One of many appearances within the ring was an exhibition.
If that is the top, Aldo can retire from the game understanding that he put collectively a legendary resume. He was already inducted into the UFC Corridor of Fame in 2023 and was a dominant featherweight champion with a title streak that went again to WEC earlier than the division was added to the UFC.
He was one of many group’s first main stars within the sub-155-pound weight courses and the win works as a last ode to his star energy to stroll away with another win in entrance of a raucous Brazilian crowd in Rio de Janeiro.