For the first time in Jose Aldo’s MMA career, he’s in the midst of a three-fight losing streak.
The former UFC Featherweight Champion will always be known as one of the best fighters to step inside the octagon, with strong wins over names such as Kenny Florian, Chad Mendes, and Frankie Edgar; however, Aldo luck's as of late hasn’t gone his way.
The MMA veteran had suffered back-to-back losses against Alexander Volkanovski and Marlon Moraes going into his fight against Yan, and many questioned why the 33-year-old was getting the opportunity to challenge for the belt when Marlon Moraes or Aljamin Sterling occupy the top two spots in the division rankings.
Despite giving it his all in the championship bout, Yan was able to put the Brazilian away with a knockout in the fifth round, extending his losing streak to three losses in a row. Aldo has been silent since then; however, the former UFC featherweight Champion addressed his recent loss on Instagram and promises to come back stronger inside the octagon (Transcript courtesy of MMA Junkie):
Today I woke up thinking about what to say to everyone, and what I have to say is that defeat is part of the sport, it is part of my life and only one who does not fight does not lose. I did my best in this fight, I did my best and best in training, I did my best in my diet, even in times of pandemic I fought for what I wanted, but unfortunately it didn't.
Nobody more than I really wanted that belt, I really wanted to make history but my opponent did better yesterday and he has his merits. But people tend to carry the idea of a perfect world and forget that losing a battle does not make you capable of humiliating, let alone discarding the other.
Empathy is always putting yourself in the other's shoes. I will come back much stronger than I already am. My gratitude goes out to my Nova União team, my friends, fans and my family to whom I dedicate my best every day. Strength and honor always! ⠀
God is with us
At the moment, there’s no word on when Aldo will return to the octagon. As for Yan, a challenger for the 135-pound belt has yet to be determined.