Full Name: José Aldo da Silva Oliveira Júnior
Date of Birth: September 9, 1986
Place of Birth: Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
Nickname: “Junior” or “Scarface”
José Aldo is a Brazilian mixed martial artist widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history. Known for his explosive striking, devastating leg kicks, and unparalleled agility, Aldo’s fighting style earned him a legendary status in the UFC and beyond.
José Aldo resides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he has lived for much of his professional career.
Career Highlights
He joined the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) in 2008, where he became the Featherweight Champion by defeating Mike Brown in 2009.
When WEC merged with the UFC in 2011, Aldo was crowned the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion, a title he held for nearly five years.
He defended the belt seven times, defeating top contenders like Frankie Edgar, Chad Mendes, and Ricardo Lamas.
Aldo’s highly anticipated bout against Conor McGregor at UFC 194 in 2015 ended in a shocking 13-second knockout loss. Despite this setback, Aldo remained a top contender in the division.
In 2019, Aldo made a successful transition to the bantamweight division, showcasing his adaptability and skill against younger opponents.
Revenue and Net Worth of José Aldo
As of 2024, José Aldo’s net worth is estimated to be around $9–10 million.
Aldo earned substantial purses during his UFC career, with notable payouts from high-profile fights such as:
UFC 194 vs. Conor McGregor: Reported earnings of $500,000 base pay, plus undisclosed bonuses and a share of the record-breaking Pay-Per-View revenue.
Other significant fights, including those against Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes, brought him additional six-figure sums.
After transitioning to professional boxing in 2023, Aldo secured lucrative fight deals, earning between $200,000–$400,000 per fight, depending on the opponent and venue.
Throughout his career, Aldo attracted sponsorships from major brands, including Reebok during the UFC’s exclusive deal period.
Aldo owns a burger franchise in Brazil called Aldo Burger, which has become a popular chain and a significant source of passive income.
As a top-tier fighter, Aldo received shares from Pay-Per-View events, particularly during his title defenses and marquee fights like the McGregor bout.
Family Life of José Aldo
José Aldo is married to Vivianne Aldo, a former professional fighter who competed in Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu. Vivianne has been a significant supporter of Aldo’s career, often appearing alongside him during major events.
The couple has a daughter named Joanna, who was born in 2012.
Last Fight of José Aldo
José Aldo’s final fight in MMA took place at UFC 278 on August 20, 2022, against Merab Dvalishvili in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The bout was a bantamweight clash between Aldo, a former featherweight champion, and the surging contender Merab Dvalishvili. The fight ended in a unanimous decision victory for Dvalishvili, as his relentless wrestling and pace neutralized Aldo’s striking.
Following this fight, Aldo decided to retire from MMA, marking the end of a legendary career. Shortly after his retirement, Aldo was honored with a UFC Hall of Fame induction in 2023, celebrating his accomplishments as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Aldo didn’t leave combat sports entirely. In early 2023, he transitioned to professional boxing, debuting with a win, showing his versatility and love for competition.
Interesting Facts About José Aldo
- Aldo grew up in poverty in Manaus, Brazil, and often faced hunger. His determination to escape those conditions drove him to succeed in MMA.
- The famous scar on Aldo’s cheek comes from an accident as a baby when he was dropped onto a barbecue grill by a family member. This gave him the nickname “Scarface.”
- Aldo holds the record for the longest UFC Featherweight title reign, defending his title successfully seven times from 2011 to 2015.
- Known for his brutal leg kicks, Aldo’s strikes have left opponents incapacitated, with some fighters unable to continue after being on the receiving end.
- Aldo is a passionate fan of soccer and supports Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most popular football clubs.
- In addition to fighting, Aldo is the owner of Aldo Burger, a fast-food chain in Brazil, showing his entrepreneurial spirit.
- Aldo’s victory over Cub Swanson at WEC 41 is one of the fastest finishes in MMA title history, with a double flying knee knockout in just eight seconds.
- In 2023, Aldo was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
- After retiring from MMA in 2022, Aldo transitioned to professional boxing, debuting with a victory in 2023.
- While “Scarface” is well-known, his teammates and coaches also called him “Junior” during his early career.
- Aldo enjoys playing video games, particularly FIFA, during his downtime and has mentioned using gaming to relax after intense training sessions.
- He is widely celebrated in Brazil as a national hero, inspiring a generation of fighters and representing the country on a global stage.