The GOAT is a term that is often used to describe individuals such as Michael Jordan or Peyton Manning: athlete’s who have excelled in their sport far beyond average players. Jose Aldo has recently said that he wants to retire as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, via Fernando Arbex of Bloody Elbow.
That is quite a statement from the long-reigning champion, but those aspirations may not be as lofty as one may think.
Aldo is well aware of his current place in history and wants to expand upon the great career that he has already achieved.
"I'm sure that I'm on[e] of the best of all time. I don't see where [I] am...yet. When I stop, I want to be the greatest of all. I still seek some achievements. I'm the only UFC 145-pound champion in history, and I want to keep [it] that way until I retire,” Aldo said in an interview with Combate, which was reported by Fernando Arbex of Bloody Elbow. “I also want to break all the UFC records in a way that my name will be printed forever."
Looking at those comments, Aldo is well on his way to reaching his goal. The Brazilian native boasts a 25-1 record that includes his current 18-fight win streak. He obtained the WEC featherweight title, which became the UFC’s featherweight belt, back in 2010 and has kept an iron–clad grip on the belt since then.
As the UFC’s current longest-reigning champion, his goals may be closer to realization than some are willing to admit. However, what must he do in order to truly be among the best that this sport has ever seen?
The most obvious answer is that he needs to continue defending the featherweight title. In looking at the top contenders within the UFC rankings, Aldo has already defeated four of the top five fighters listed in his weight class.
Conor McGregor is the only individual he has not faced, and that bout may be coming sooner rather than later, as noted by David St. Martin of MMA Fighting. If Aldo defeats McGregor, then he can state a claim that he has cleared out his division.
That would move him into the next potential requirement for going out as the GOAT: moving up to lightweight. It has long been rumored that Aldo wants to attempt a run at 155 pounds, per Chuck Mindenhall of MMA Fighting. If he were to vacate the title, challenge the lightweight champion of the time and win the belt, he would solidify himself among the best that the sport has ever seen.
Currently, only two other men—BJ Penn and Randy Couture—have been able to do such a feat. Aldo adding his name to that list would put a stamp on what has already been an illustrious MMA career.
Jose Aldo is already pushing his way toward being one of the best competitors this sport has ever seen. If he intends to retire as the greatest fighter ever, he has his work cut out for him. But that does not mean his goal is out of reach.
