UFC legend Jose Aldo retires from MMA as fans say goodbye to former champ who fought Conor McGregor
UFC legend Jose Aldo has retired from Mixed Martial Arts after a celebrated career.
Aldo shared the Octagon with some of the all time best fighters, such as Conor McGregor.
The Brazilian leaves the sport as one of its all-time best bantameight and featherweight competitors.
And UFC fans swarmed social media to pay tribute to his incredible career.
One supporter tweeted: "Thank You Jose Aldo."
Another posted: "Jose Aldo is higher than Khabib [Nurmagomedov] on the G.O.A.T list."
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A third said: "What a career for the Brazilian legend Jose Aldo. Happy retirement to the GOAT."
This fan wrote: "Featherweight GOAT retired today. We love you Jose! Thank you for all the memories!"
And that one tweeted: "Jose Aldo has retired from MMA. Thank you for everything."
News about Aldo's retirement shocked many fans but sadness quickly turned into joy after he announced the birth of his son.
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He tweeted a picture of himself, his wife and newborn child in the delivery room with the following caption: "I’m happy! My son!"
Aldo is the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion, a title he won twice throughout his career.
The 36-year-old also made history as the fighter with the most successful title defences in UFC featherweight history as he defended the belt seven times.
That also marked the most consecutive title defences in the division's history.
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Junior leaves the sport with smashing record of 31 wins in 39 matches.
The King of Rio only lost eight times in his 18-year career, one of which was against McGregor at UFC 194 in 2015.