Former two-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023 and made his return to the UFC in the bantamweight division against Jonathan Martinez in UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg. He technically retired from MMA in 2022, but remained under contract with the UFC and was allowed to explore other sports.
In his young days, he aspired to become a professional football (soccer) player, but he grew up on the streets of Manaus, Brazil, and kept getting into fights, so to defend himself, he trained in Capoeira, an afro-brazilian martial art, and thus his MMA journey began. In 2004, when he was just 17 years old, he made his MMA debut by winning the opening round against Mario Bigola in just 16 seconds. After seven straight wins, he squared off against Luciano Azevedo at Jungle Fight 5, where he was submitted in November 2005. Latter was his last defeat because, from 2005 to 2015, he had a winning streak of 18 fights, which is also the longest streak (a decade) of the division; however, at UFC 194, he lost in 13 seconds against Notorious Conor McGregor, losing his streak and featherweight title.
Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor's relationship over the years
Over the years, Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor have become friends. The feud between Aldo and McGregor began in 2015, after Aldo’s loss at UFC 194. To promote the fight, the UFC paraded a media tour around five different countries. Aldo took a severe verbal and psychological toll from McGregor during this period. For the interim title, McGregor defeated Chad Mendes, while Aldo was forced to withdraw from the first fight, and after five months, McGregor defeated Aldo in a mere 13 seconds.
The fight sent the McGregor hype train on full throttle, and he went on to capture the UFC lightweight title, becoming the first-ever double champion and the biggest name in the sport. While all was going on, Aldo wasn't able to win the championship again but still gave a few of the best featherweight fights against top fighters like Frankie Edgar, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski.
Nevertheless, in 2023, Aldo was admitted into the UFC Hall of Fame, and during his media appearance, he was questioned about his feud with Conor McGregor. Aldo disclosed that Conor's and his quarrel are history. He said, “I do have a lot of respect for Conor McGregor. We’re friends.” He added, “We even follow each other on Instagram. We exchange dialogue there.” McGregor expressed his appreciation to Aldo on Twitter by retweeting the announcement of the honor along with the caption, "Earned!"
*Last updated on September 25, 2024.
FAQs on Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor friendship
A. Yes, Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo are friends now and have exchanged respect and dialogue.
A. The feud between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor began in 2015 after Aldo's loss at UFC 194.
A. Jose Aldo made his MMA debut in 2004 at the age of 17.
A. At UFC 307, Jose Aldo will make his next outing against Mario Bautista.
A. Jose Aldo was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.
A. Jose Aldo's first UFC title came in UFC 123 in 2010, after the merger of UFC and WEC, where he was already a featherweight champion with three defenses.
