Jose Aldo’s UFC Journey Begins

On November 20, 2010, Jose Aldo became the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion, making him the first man in history to hold the UFC’s newest title. Aldo is set to make his first title defense at UFC 125 against Josh Grispi.

Aldo began his MMA career in August 2004 in his home country of Brazil. At the age of seventeen, he earned his first professional win after knocking out fellow countryman Mario Bigola in just 18 seconds. Aldo’s next two fights took place under the Shooto banner. There, he forced a doctor’s stoppage over Hudson Rocha and submitted Luiz de Paula via Arm-Triangle Choke. Over the next two years, Aldo would continue his dominance within the featherweight division throughout Brazil, the UK, and Japan. However, during this time, he suffered his first and only loss to date. At Jungle Fight 5 in Manaus, Brazil, Aldo was submitted with a Rear-Naked Choke by Luciano Azevedo.

On June 1, 2008, Aldo made his WEC Debut against Alexandre Nogueira. With a TKO victory in the second round, he began his final ascent to the top of the featherweight food chain. Following his debut within the promotion, Aldo defeated current TUF 12 contestant Jonathon Brookins by TKO, Ronaldo Perez by knockout, and Chris Mickle by TKO.

Next, the Brazilian would step in against the man whom he would make a highlight reel out of, Cub Swanson. Just as quickly as the fight began, it was over. Once the opening bell sounded, Aldo jumped in and connected with two perfectly timed flying knees directly to Swanson’s head. Swanson immediately buckled and covered up and after a few finishing blows from Aldo, the referee stopped the fight at only eight seconds in the first round. The fight not only showcased the skill and aggression of Aldo, it earned him a title shot against then champion, Mike Brown. The fight did not go as many felt it would. Fans assumed Brown would be able to use his strength advantage to overwhelm Aldo, though it happened much differently. Aldo earned a second round TKO victory and became the new WEC Featherweight Championship.

Since asserting himself as the best 145 lb. fighter in the world, Aldo has beaten the best of the best, and now holds title defenses over former champion Urijah Faber and Manny Gamburyan. Now, with the WEC roster merged into the UFC, the sky is the limit for Aldo. When he takes on Grispi in January, it will be on the biggest stage of his life. Being a part of the UFC will only help Aldo in proving that he is one of the greatest fighters to ever live.

Tags: featherweight, Jose Aldo, Josh Grispi, MMA, UFC, WEC

Category: Exclusive, MMA, UFC