See a look back at José Aldo playing for the UFC in Rio de Janeiro

Official Ultimate art promoting the duel between Aldo and Martinez (Photo: Twitter/@ufc_brasil)

Last Saturday night (16), the MMA world was surprised by the news leak that José Aldo will fight his last mixed martial arts fight at UFC 301, which takes place in Rio de Janeiro. Popularly known as 'King of Rio', the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) has already performed five times in events held in the Marvelous City. See Manauara's retrospective.

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Wearing Ultimate gloves, Aldo stepped into the Octagon on five occasions in Rio de Janeiro. In the first two matches, Manauara knocked out Chad Mendes e Korean zombie. In the third confrontation, the 'People's Champion' had an explosive rematch with the North American, a pupil of Team Alpha Male, and emerged victorious in the unanimous decision of the judges after starring in one of the best fights of the 2014 season.

However, despite the nickname 'King of Rio', Aldo's last memories of playing in the Marvelous City are not encouraging. In June 2017, the manauara was knocked out by the then interim champion Max Holloway and was dethroned from the top of the featherweight division. About two years later, Dedé Pederneiras' pupil was canceled by the Australian Alexander Volkanovsky in his last performance in the division where he reigned for around five years.

See Ultimate's official announcement about the return of José Aldo

The King of Rio is back! ️@JoseAldoJunior faces @Jonathanmyda No. #UFC301!

[ STAY TUNED | General ticket sales open shortly, at 10am (Brasília time). Guarantee your tickets ] pic.twitter.com/mjwHt2jDEv

- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) March 20, 2024

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