Jose Aldo announces retirement after Aiemann Zahabi defeat at UFC 315 - 'My body said no'

Jose Aldo will go down as a legend of the UFC. After his unanimous-decision defeat against Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315, the first ever UFC Featherweight Champion announced he would call time on his career. Aldo lost the bout via unanimous decision after the judges scored it 29–28, 29–28, 29–28. Following the fight, he placed his gloves in the centre of the octagon.

Jose Aldo announced his retirement from MMA after falling to a unanimous-decision defeat against Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315.

Aldo will go down as one of the greatest fighters of his generation after becoming the first UFC Featherweight Champion ever, before successfully defending his title on seven occasions.

After the contest, which the judges scored 29–28, 29–28, 29–28, the Brazilian took his gloves off and placed them in the centre of the octagon.

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Then, during his post-fight interview, he confirmed that it would probably be the last fight of his career.

"Well, first of all, thank you to Dana [White], to Sean [Shelby], to Lorenzo [Fertitta], to everybody at the UFC for everything you have given me," Aldo said through a translator.

"I don't think I have it in me any more.

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"This was a very tough week, it wasn't just about the cutting of the weight.

"There were so many things that happened, it was very tough to go through all this.

"There was one point this week where I felt like I didn't have it in me, this was a very tough week. My body said no, and I just don't think I have it anymore.

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"I don't want to go into war all the time and go through this. I just don't have it in my heart any more.

"I think this is the last time you are going to see me, I can't do this any more."

Jose Aldo in action at UFC 315 in Canada

Image credit: Getty Images

Aldo's superb UFC Featherweight title reign was brought to an end in an iconic fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 194.

His seven title defences mean he is the most successful featherweight champion in the history of the UFC.

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