Jose Aldo had a triumphant return from retirement on Saturday when he defeated Jonathan Martinez in front of his hometown crowd at UFC 301.
Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) ended his nearly two-year hiatus from MMA competition and completed his UFC contract on a high with a unanimous decision over surging bantamweight contender Martinez (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) at Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
With his contract now fulfilled, it remains to be seen if this was the farewell fight for the UFC Hall of Famer, and what the future holds for Aldo.
Check below for the top X (formerly Twitter) reactions to Aldo beating Martinez at UFC 301.
Cageside Press
Jose tries a combo, misses. But he’s putting the pressure on Jonathan, Jon shoots, nope!
Aldo high kick blocked. Jon slips after throwing a high kick.
Jose right hand lands. Then a leg kick. #UFC301
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) May 5, 2024
Peter Carroll
What an opening round for Aldo.
— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) May 5, 2024
Stephen Thompson
Aldos combos are BEAUTIFUL. Looking fast! #ufc301
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) May 5, 2024
Belal Muhammad
Aldo lookin like he never left
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 5, 2024
The Naked Gambler
If you need takedowns to beat Aldo, you’re not winning.
— The Naked Gambler (@NakedGambling) May 5, 2024
Ben Davis
Martinez needs a finish against a 37-year old, 2 year layoff Jose Aldo
Aldo is HIM #UFC301
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) May 5, 2024
Alan Jouban
2-0 Aldo. Really doesn’t seem to have lost a step. #UFC301
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 5, 2024
Dan Tom
I’m very frustrating watch from the Martinez perspective, especially since he’s finding success when committing, but it’s not nearly enough. Aldo, on the other hand, looking to still have all post-prime things considered.
— Dan Tom (@DanTomMMA) May 5, 2024
Cageside Press
Jon to the body, avoids the Aldo counter, but eats a straight right,
Jon OHH big right hand up top!
Aldo attacks the body! #UFC301
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) May 5, 2024
Cageside Press
Spinning ish for Jon doesn’t touch anything but oxygen.
Jab lands tho! Jon body kick. Aldo lands a quick left hand OHHHH JON IS HURT!!!!!!!!
ALDO GOING IN!!!! KNEES UP TOP!!!!!
ALDO TAKES HIM DOWN!!!!! ALDO ON TOP!!!!!#UFC301
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) May 5, 2024
Kenny Florian
“Kenny, why were you so convicted on Aldo winning?!” #UFC301
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) May 5, 2024