Jose Aldo is a lot of things, and come this summer, he can add “UFC Hall of Famer” to the list.
Regarded by many as the greatest featherweight fighter in MMA history, Aldo will be inducted as part of the 2023 UFC Hall of Fame class, the promotion announced Saturday in a video package during the UFC 283 broadcast.
The video was simultaneously played in Jeunesse Arena, where an emotional Aldo was seated cageside with his coach Andre Pederneiras, manager Ed Soares and wife Vivianne (Perreira).
Long live the King of Rio! 👑
What a moment for the soon to be Hall of Famer, 🇧🇷 @JoseAldoJunior! #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/IGaGekA0pK
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 22, 2023
“Jose Aldo is the greatest featherweight of all time,” UFC president Dana White said in a news release. “From WEC to UFC, Jose helped us build the sport of MMA and UFC as a brand, as well as change the perception of the smaller weight classes and what they could accomplish inside the octagon. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
Aldo officially stepped away from MMA in September 2022 with a 13-7 UFC record and one of the most lengthy accolade lists in promotion history. He is a two-time featherweight champion, former interim champion and former WEC champion. His seven UFC featherweight title defenses rank first all-time. He also is a six-time performance bonus winner.
Known for his signature leg kicks and “Run This Town” walkout, as well as his legendary takedown defense and ability to evolve with new waves of talent, Aldo leaves the sport as one of the most elite and respected fighters of his generation.
While no official date for the Hall of Fame ceremony was announced, it historically coincides with the promotion’s “International Fight Week” festivities in July.
