“The King of Rio” got his due on Saturday night.
UFC isn’t known for handling the retirement of its fighters particularly well. The best you’re likely to get is a beatdown from an up-and-coming name and maybe a quick question from Joe Rogan in the cage asking if you’re done.
But for Jose Aldo, the promotion finally did right by one of its legends by letting the former two-time featherweight champion do one final walk into the cage at UFC Rio. He got to lay his gloves down on the canvas and celebrate his prolific career with family in tow.
Aldo officially retired following a disappointing decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 in Montreal— Jose’s second defeat in a row and third in five fights. The former champ was exhausted from a tough battle and crushing decision loss, and he really did seem defeated in every way.
This opportunity at UFC Rio allowed “Scarface” to exit on a more triumphant note, with his appreciative Brazilian fans getting to see him as the center of attention one more time.
Let’s hope the UFC decides to do this more in the future. In a sport where yesterday’s legends are often little more than today’s cannon fodder, a little bit of respect like this goes a long way.