Jose Aldo is back? Nah, Jose Aldo never left.
The all-time great and former two-time UFC featherweight champion turned in a vintage performance on Saturday at UFC 301, outclassing up-and-coming bantamweight Jonathan Martinez to win a unanimous decision in his Rio de Janeiro homecoming. Already a UFC Hall of Famer, Aldo hadn’t competed since retiring following an August 2022 loss to Merab Dvalishvili, but at age 37, “The King of Rio” proved he’s still among the best in the world.
Check out how pros reacted to Aldo’s remarkable UFC 301 performance below.
Aldo is such a G! #UFC301 #Legend
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) May 5, 2024
Every time Jose Aldo steps into the octagon, it's a privilege to watch... one of the best to ever do it.. an inspiration to so many #UFC301
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) May 5, 2024
Aldo looks like he’s entering his 3rd prime. Dude is an all time great for sure. #UFC301
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) May 5, 2024
Incredible Jose Aldo performance. 37 years young.
— Damien Brown (@beatdown155) May 5, 2024
Showed some hesitation to finish that fight when he could’ve in the 3rd. You gotta wonder if taking it to the ground was a combination of confidence he’d done enough and not wanting to do further damage #UFC301
Was wrapped up in the bruins all night, back for the fights. Not like anyone questioned it, but Aldo is an all time p4p top 5 #UFC301
— Joe Joe Giannetti (@Giannettimma) May 5, 2024
Much respect to Martinez He fought a great fight and I believe he’ll be back stronger #UFC301
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) May 5, 2024
Also is so respectful. What a legend
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) May 5, 2024
Respect #UFC301
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 5, 2024
No words for how impressive that was by Aldo...none #UFC301
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) May 5, 2024
Aldo lookin like he never left
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 5, 2024
The of Rio
— Jeremy Kennedy (@JeremyKennedyWC) May 5, 2024
Aldo!! #UFC301
— Alex Chambers (@alexchambersmma) May 5, 2024
Excited that @josealdojunior back in @ufc tonight. #UFCRIO
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) May 5, 2024
Let’s go @josealdojunior
— Erik Jon Koch (@NEWBREED04) May 5, 2024
Aldos combos are BEAUTIFUL. Looking fast! #ufc301
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) May 5, 2024
Congratulations to the legend Jose Aldo junior!!! True legend of the sport!!! #ufc301
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) May 5, 2024
This is high level striking we are seeing.
— Ode' ⭕️sbourne (@OdeOsbourne) May 5, 2024
#UFC301
Man…how good is @josealdojunior beautiful to see. Congrats champ #UFC301
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) May 5, 2024
The KING is Back!!! #UFC301
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 5, 2024
Man Aldo can’t retire now he’s backkk
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 5, 2024
