It appears that one of the greatest fighters to ever step inside the octagon will call it quits once his three-fight deal with UFC ends. The former UFC and WEC featherweight titleholder is scheduled to take on Renato Moicano on Feb. 2 in the co-main event of UFC Fortaleza in Brazil.
Aldo recently revealed his approach to his last three fights plan with the company and then walking away from the sport.
“I want to end my career here in Brazil. That’s what we have planned,” Aldo said during a UFC media day in Rio de Janeiro. “I want to do these three fights… I’ll fight in Fortaleza now, and I’m already negotiating my next one for May (UFC 237), if I’m not mistaken in Curitiba, and then finish it in the second semester, which I know will have another event in Brazil.”
At the moment, Aldo’s mind is made up when it comes to his retirement plan, which is why he’s not campaigning for a shot at the 145-pound belt after UFC Fortaleza.
”There’s no reason to get here and aim for a title fight,” Aldo said, “But you can be sure that I’ll be a problem for whoever gets in front of me because I will win these three fights. You can be sure of this.”
Aldo won’t be jumping ship to another promotion because he’s “very loyal” to the UFC. In 2020, he just wants to enjoy life and focus on “new projects” he declined to elaborate.
”I want to finish (my career) well and be healthy as well,” Aldo said. “One thing I said in my last fight is that I want to (retire) tomorrow and not use my money to buy my heath back. Today I give away my health to make my money, so I won’t do that.
”I want to enjoy my daughter, my wife, be able to travel, without fighting until I’m 40. I see our great idols doing that and having bad performances… I always tell ‘Dede’ (Pederneiras), if one day I’m not in my rhythm in terms of performance, take me out of there because it’s not for me to be in there anymore. I don't want to fight for money. I’ve planned my entire life so I could stop (fighting) without any problem.”