The very first ever UFC featherweight champion in Brazil’s Jose Aldo has achieved legendary status in the sport of mixed martial arts. The fighter is historically one of the most dominant competitors in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the WEC, where he fought under the ZUFFA banner before the two promotions merged. Now, in a new video we get to see just how far his experience as a class-act and competitor has translated into the losing side of his career.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, Dec. 2, for the highly anticipated fight card of UFC 218. The night’s event was headlined by none other than UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway. The fighter was offered a chance to defend his title, but would end up facing someone inside the octagon other than initially expected.
Holloway was originally set to face off against former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar for the night’s headliner. Edgar was pulled from the fight after suffering an injury. On short notice, Jose Aldo stepped up to take on Holloway for another shot at the featherweight title.
Holloway and Aldo first faced off at UFC 212. Aldo was coming in to the fight as the reigning champion, as Holloway was looking to unify his interim title. The two MMA warriors battled it out and Holloway ultimately walked away with a TKO victory in the third round.
Back inside the octagon together, the two fighters went toe-to-toe inside the Little Caesars Arena for the Detroit crowd at UFC 218. Aldo tried to take out the champion, but Holloway put on a dominant performance over his opponent. In the end, Holloway earned his second consecutive third round TKO victory over “Scarface.”
Now, in this brand new footage, with some corner audio as an added bonus, we get to see both champions emotionally embrace after their fight. Sure, losses are hard, but the Brazilian legend seems nothing but respectful after the bout.
As for what’s next for Aldo, rumor has it, he’s been eyeing a run in boxing, and a potential resurgence to his UFC career in the UFC’s lightweight division. Don’t quote us on that, keep it in the rumor box until someone from Aldo’s camp speaks on the subject. These are just the words on the street.
Enjoy the video. (above)
