Featherweight champion Max Holloway and UFC President Dana White had only positive things to say about Jose Aldo following another loss by the Brazilian at UFC 218.
After going unbeaten for more than a decade and etching a place in history as the most decorated 145-pound fighter in Zuffa history, Aldo (26-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) is now riding back-to-back losses for the first time. He’s dropped two of his past three overall after falling short to Holloway (19-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) this past weekend.
In a rematch of a June fight at UFC 212, which he lost by third-round TKO, Aldo was against stopped by Holloway’s strikes in the third round of the UFC 218 headliner, which took place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and aired on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.
When an all-time great fighter begins to slide, it’s common for some revisionist history to come into play when looking at his or her body of work. It’s likely Aldo will fall victim to that, as well, but Holloway said that shouldn’t be the case. He hopes the world will recognize Aldo for his accomplishments, even if his championship days are behind him.
“That guy, he should know he shouldn’t have to owe anyone anything,” Holloway said UFC 218. “That guy’s one of the greatest of all time. I think Brazil should be building statues of that guy in all the favelas. He’s a legend,. He’s the GOAT. I’ve got a lot to fill.”
UFC boss White, who has promoted Aldo fights in the UFC for more than seven years, echoed Holloway’s sentiments about “Scarface.” At 31 and with UFC losses only to current champions Holloway and Conor McGregor, Aldo likely still has a lot of fight left him. However, with two shortcomings against “Blessed,” a third featherweight title shot is unrealistic.
Aldo’s current situation leaves him with some decisions to make about his goals in the sport and how he can go about accomplishing them. Whatever he decides, though, White said Aldo has his complete support.
“Jose Aldo is one of the long-reigning world champions in this sport,” White said. “He is an absolute legend. The guy has nothing left to prove. I think it’s one of things (where) he has to go sit down, talk to his family and decide what he wants to do next. He’s got plenty of money.”
For complete coverage of UFC 218, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
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