Challenges in the Life of José Aldo in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of José Aldo. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

José Aldo is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and boxer, renowned for his achievements in the Featherweight division. He was the final WEC Featherweight Champion and the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion, defending his UFC title seven times and his WEC title twice. Widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever, Aldo's legacy is particularly strong in the featherweight class.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

November 2005: First MMA Defeat

In November 2005, José Aldo experienced his first MMA defeat, marking a turning point after which he remained undefeated for a decade.

November 2005: Loss at Jungle Fight 5

In November 2005, José Aldo fought Luciano Azevedo at Jungle Fight 5, going up a weight class to lightweight and losing the fight.

August 2014: Pulled Out of UFC 176

In early August 2014, José Aldo pulled out of his scheduled fight against Chad Mendes at UFC 176 due to an injury.

July 2015: Pulls Out of UFC 189

On July 2015, José Aldo pulled out of his scheduled fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 189 due to a rib injury.

December 2015: Loss to Conor McGregor at UFC 194

In December 2015, at UFC 194, José Aldo lost to Conor McGregor, ending his decade-long undefeated streak.

June 2017: Title Unification Bout Loss to Max Holloway at UFC 212

On June 2017, José Aldo faced Max Holloway at UFC 212 in a title unification bout and lost by TKO in the third round, though the fight earned him Fight of the Night bonus.

December 2017: Loss to Max Holloway at UFC 218

In December 2017, José Aldo replaced an injured Frankie Edgar and faced Max Holloway in a rematch at UFC 218, losing the fight via TKO in the third round.

October 2024: UFC 307 Loss to Mario Bautista

On October 5, 2024, at UFC 307, José Aldo faced Mario Bautista and lost the fight by split decision, despite defending ten out of ten takedowns. Media outlets were split in their scoring of the bout for both Aldo and Bautista.