The King Still Reigns: Jose Aldo has a Supreme Legacy and Enduring Impact

The featherweight division of mixed martial arts (MMA) boasts a rich history, but few names carry the weight and respect like Jose Aldo. Even in the wake of his recent title loss and upcoming potential retirement, fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, the current champion, acknowledge Aldo’s reign as one for the ages.

Jose Aldo has Earned Dominance and Respect

Aldo’s journey began in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) in 2009, where he captured the featherweight title. This reign continued seamlessly into the UFC when WEC merged in 2011. For a staggering six years, Aldo defended his belt a record-setting nine times, establishing himself as the undisputed king of the featherweights.

Volkanovski, who himself has had an impressive run with the title, emphasizes the sheer longevity of Aldo’s dominance. “To be champion for that long, things go wrong,” Volkanovski says. “You fight injured, there’s so many things that can go wrong, and to be champion that long, it’s saying something.”

But it wasn’t just wins that defined Aldo’s reign. Volkanovski highlights another crucial aspect: respect. “Obviously his technique, his skill is always going to be something that you’re going to appreciate, but him being such a respectful champion,” Volkanovski continues. This sentiment reflects the widespread admiration for Aldo’s demeanor, a quality Volkanovski himself aspires to embody.

Those who shared the octagon with Aldo know all too well his technical brilliance. Volkanovski recalls their fight, highlighting Aldo’s incredible speed and reflexes: “He’s so fast-twitch and he still is — even now at the age he is and how long he’s been in the game, he is still so fast twitch… I remember those times when I was like, ‘Yep, this punch is landing.’ I was like halfway through my punch, I know when it’s going to land, and he would still get out of the way. I’m just like, ‘What the hell?’”

Aldo’s ability to anticipate and react within milliseconds speaks volumes about his technical mastery. This, coupled with his relentless fighting spirit, made him a formidable opponent for any contender.

A Legacy of Inspiration: Passing the Torch

While Aldo’s time at featherweight may be coming to an end, his legacy extends far beyond the octagon. He inspired a generation of fighters, including the current champion himself. Volkanovski acknowledges this influence: “Obviously, his technique, his skill is always going to be something that you’re going to appreciate… But him being such a respectful champion, that’s how I like to be. I think he’s morally correct, I think he’s just respectful. He’s how a champion should be, and that was something that I really did appreciate and it made me want to be a great champion too.”

This sentiment underscores the true mark of a champion – not just dominance within the cage, but the ability to inspire others to carry on the tradition of excellence and respect.

With his upcoming fight against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, Jose Aldo seems poised to hang up his gloves for good. This final walkout signifies the end of an era, one where Aldo’s name became synonymous with featherweight dominance and sportsmanship.

Whether he wins or loses, his legacy as a martial arts legend is secure. The “King of Rio” may be stepping away, but the fire he ignited within the sport will undoubtedly continue to burn brightly in the hearts of fighters to come.