Sport

Jose Aldo's Shocking UFC 315 Retirement: Did the Judges Get It Wrong?

2025-05-11

Author: Michael

In a dramatic turn of events at UFC 315, Brazilian MMA icon Jose Aldo announced his retirement, leaving fans in shock and sparking controversy over the fight's scoring.

Aldo's Last Fight: Controversy from the Start

Facing off against Georges St-Pierre's protégé, Aiemann Zahabi, Aldo's bantamweight bout quickly morphed into a featherweight clash after he revealed he couldn't make weight just hours before the weigh-in. This last-minute decision raised eyebrows and added a layer of drama to what would be Aldo's final battle in the octagon.

A Shocking Retirement After a Hard-Fought Battle

After a contentious decision loss, Aldo announced his retirement from MMA, a choice many didn't see coming. The fallout from the fight has left the community divided, with questions swirling around the judges' scorecards.

Volkanovski Challenges the Judges' Decision

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski weighed in on the controversial scoring, expressing his belief that Aldo deserved better. Reflecting on his own fight against Aldo in 2019, Volkanovski noted how clear-cut that decision was in comparison to the recent bout.

"When you talk about damage, it was clear Aldo was in control during the third round," Volkanovski stated in a YouTube video, pointing out that Aldo had knocked Zahabi down twice with fierce strikes. Despite dominating much of the round, the judges' scorecards told a different story, leading many, including Rafael dos Anjos, to question the legitimacy of the result.

A Fitting Farewell to a Legend

At 38, Aldo's decision to retire may be a prudent one, especially after suffering back-to-back losses. While Volkanovski continues to make his mark, the legacy of Jose Aldo as one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history remains intact. His timing appears perfect, preserving a legendary career before tarnishing his resplendent legacy.

As fans digest the aftermath of UFC 315, the discussions around the fight and Aldo's retirement will undoubtedly continue, showcasing the emotional and contentious nature of the sport.