Jose Aldo Releases First Statement Since losing to Max Holloway at UFC 218

A torch seemed to have passed at UFC 218. Jose Aldo was beaten for the second time by Max Holloway, which is the first time anyone has ever fought and won against Aldo back-to-back. While only one of them can wear the belt, both have displayed championship class throughout the fallout of their sophomore encounter. Aside from a touching photo with a fan after the fight, we haven’t seen the former featherweight king since Saturday, but he’s finally broken his silence with an inspiring message after his loss.

Só tenho que agradecer por tudo a minha família que eu amo, minha equipe, melhor do mundo “Nova Uniao” por me fazer grande e campeão aos amigos e fans que sempre estão comigo, muito obrigado a todos!!
Serei sempre otimista, pois acreditar é o primeiro passo para fazer acontecer.

— Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior) December 5, 2017

“I just have to say thank you for all my family that I love, my team — best in the world “Nova Uniao” — for making me a great champion and to friends and fans who are always with me, thank you very much to all! I will always be optimistic because believing is the first step to make that happen.” — Jose Aldo from his official Twitter account. 

Never forget that after Jose Aldo’s first loss to Conor McGregor, critics came out of the woodwork claiming he was done. Then, Aldo dominated top contender Franke Edgar at UFC 200. No matter what lies ahead of the former 145-pound champ, nothing can change his legendary run from the WEC and on into the UFC. Whether it is another contender, moving up to lightweight, or saying goodbye to the sport, we’ll always support Jose Aldo in whatever he decides.

To any fans of Jose Aldo/MMA. After his loss, I waited in the fighters’ hotel afterwards without much expectation knowing he must be devastated. When he saw me, he hugged & embraced me, thanked me, talked and stood for pictures. 1 of the greatest fighters ever,an even greater man pic.twitter.com/LlCXTjhFBZ

— A.J (@3boodJana7i) December 3, 2017

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 12/5/2017.