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Who is Jose Aldo? From being beaten up in the streets to becoming UFC world champion – here’s what we know

Brazilian fighter is as tough as he looks having forced his way from the bottom

Less than impressed: UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo

WITH a long scar down the left side of his face, Brazilian Jose Aldo is as tough as he looks.

He left his hometown in the Amazonas to make a name for himself in Rio with nothing but the clothes on his back.

After making his way up through the ranks, Aldo was eventually rewarded and is now recognised as one of the best featherweight fighters around.

Defending champ: Brazilian pound-for-pound star Jose Aldo
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Jose Aldo grew up in a poor area of Brazil

Who is Jose Aldo?

Jose Aldo is a two-time UFC featherweight champion - a meteoric rise for the Brazilian who started with nothing.

He has lost just twice in his career with one of those coming against Conor McGregor in December 2015 after he was put to the floor with one punch.

Before he was a household name in the sport, Aldo's dream was to simply be able to buy himself a house one day.

One-punch KO: McGregor claimed the UFC featherweight title with a 16-second knockout of Jose Aldo at UFC 194
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Aldo endured defeat in the hands of McGregor

What is Aldo's background?

Born in the Brazilian rainforest of Manaus, Aldo came from a very poor background with limited opportunities.

He was more interested in playing football than fighting but he had enough after he was repeatedly beaten up on the streets where he lived.

That prompted him to take up Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) before switching to jiu-jitsu.

Throughout his career he was easily recognised with a large scar down the left side of his face which happened after his sister dropped him on a barbeque when he was young.

Aldo picked up the scar on his face from a freak accident as a youngster
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Aldo picked up the scar on his face from a freak accident as a youngsterCredit: Getty Images

What is Jose Aldo's net worth?

The Brazilian is thought to be worth around £4million with his biggest year coming in 2015.

Between the years of 2011 and end of 2014 he was earning an average yearly wage of £400,000 but that significantly increased a year later.

Despite his big loss against McGregor, the defeat was sweetened knowing that he pocketed around £1.1m that year.

What is Aldo's fighting style?

Aldo remains number two in all-time featherweights in terms of takedown defence and with his jiu-jitsu background it is no surprise.

But he has the terrific ability to fight based on his opponents strengths and weaknesses.

Every opponent of Aldo's will know the power of his leg kicks. If they have no intentions to talk Aldo down there is no doubt he will punish with his kicks.

What is Jose Aldo's record?

Aldo has a undeniable record which backs up the claims that he is one of the best featherweight fighters.

In 28 fights he has won 26, losing just twice.

14 of those wins were by KO or TKO (technical knockout) whilst his defeats came within 10 years apart.

Aldo has lost just twice during his career
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Aldo has lost just twice in the UFC during his careerCredit: Getty Images
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