UFC 301 is just around the corner, and the UFC's return to Brazil looks set to feature some interesting bouts, including a bout with one of the greatest featherweights of all time, Jose Aldo. . The former featherweight champion is ready to return to the world of MMA after losing to Merab Merab Dvalishvili in 2022. In his return match, he will face young talent Jonathan Martinez.
Jose Aldo's MMA career is one of the best in the UFC. The Brazilian remained undefeated for 10 years until Conor McGregor defeated him at UFC 194 to become featherweight champion. However, he quickly regained his spot after he defeated Frankie Edgar at UFC 200. Aldo's dominance inside and outside of the Octagon is all because of him. team. Ahead of his anticipated comeback, let's take a look at his teammates, gym, preparation, and more.
Jose Aldo's gym, coaches and teammates
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There was a time in the UFC when people were afraid to step into the Octagon with Jose Aldo. The former featherweight champion was something of a boogeyman in the division until UFC 194. Most of his wins in his career have come by knockout, and it's all thanks to his gym, teammates, and coaches. The Brazilian sensation has remained loyal to one gym throughout his life and has been a member of that gym for a very long time now.
Jose Aldo trains at Nova União, Rio de Janeiro's mixed martial arts gym led by Andre Pederneiras. Pederneiras made a name for himself with his gym launching legends such as Jose Aldo into his MMA world. Information about Aldo's teammates is limited, but he is said to be training in the gym with his friends Luis Ramos and Diego Nunez.
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The Brazilian fighter has had such a sensational career in the world of mixed martial arts, it's no wonder some are considering retirement at this stage. Interestingly, Aldo's coach wanted him to retire, but he changed his mind after seeing “Junior's” determination.
Did Aldo's coach want him to retire?
After his decision loss to Merab Dvalishvil, there were questions about Aldo's return to the Octagon. Rumors circulated that “Junior would be bidding farewell to the sport once and for all.” Speculation arose from the idea that Aldo had accomplished everything in his career and that the former featherweight champion might be better off hanging up the gloves for good.
Even Aldo's coach, Andre Pederneiras, said that Aldo should take a break after competing for many years. At the time, Pederneiras said he believed it was better for “Junior” to stay away from the Octagon, but that his determination may have a positive impact on his return. “I think it depends on a lot of factors.” Pederneiras said in an interview.
He further added: “I would tell him to quit. I think Aldo has overcome a lot already. It won't be his last fight that takes away the legacy he's built in this sport. The biggest fear is that athletes reach the final stages of their careers and an injury could ruin the rest of their lives. Pederneiras added that he believes Aldo has what it takes to become bantamweight champion, but he wants him to retire to keep his legacy intact.
In any case, it must be noted that this is not the first time Jose Aldo has been advised to retire. Back in 2021, Aldo considered retiring after losing three in a row, but he was deterred while training with the Brazilian Navy.
Aldo's gruesome training in the Navy changed his outlook on retirement
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During Aldo's transition from featherweight to bantamweight, he suffered back-to-back losses at the hands of Alexander Volkanovski, Marlon Moraes, and Petr Yan. This shook the legend's resolve to never return inside the Octagon. Aldo was at a low point in his career and he thought it would be best to bid farewell to the UFC once and for all.
However, fate had other plans for this legend. After the loss, Aldo bounced back and stormed into the UFC Octagon with three straight wins. It was a comeback match after a loss, but how did you come back? Well, according to him, the Brazilian Navy helped him on his journey. In a conversation with the Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, Jose Aldo expressed his gratitude to the naval personnel who helped him.
“I was really thinking about retiring and had that in mind. But after Petr's death… [Yan] Battles, pandemics, etc…those [Brazilian Navy] The kids lit a fire in me, brother. Lately, I've been feeling like fighting. I have been in the Navy for about two years. [start of the COVID-19] Pandemic. Oh, I feel like I'm a boy again, learning and changing my fighting style every day. It renewed my desire to fight again and lit the fire I needed. ” Aldo said.
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Jose Aldo has pulled back from the brink of retirement, proving once again why fans call him the famous GOAT. Nevertheless, Aldo would once again face new challenges in his career. Do you expect him to emerge victorious? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.