Max Holloway defeated Jose Aldo to become the UFC’s new undisputed featherweight champion at UFC 212 on Saturday night, but now he’s taken to defending the man he was fighting.
Some have questioned Aldo’s legacy in the wake of his defeat, which prompted Holloway to speak out in support of the former long-time champion.
“Losing is part of this fight game,” Holloway wrote on Instagram. “Saturday night takes nothing away from his legacy. This is a guy who would show up to his gym sometimes without eating in the last day because he was so damn poor. This is a guy who built the 45 division and became king. This is a guy who found motivation to keep earning what he already had. He defended his throne. For a decade. For honor. For his team. For his countrymen. This is a guy who didn’t start at pole position in this world and look at what he achieved. Brazil needs to celebrate that man. Acai with powered milk and cashews for everyone. He’s a GOAT, and his story will always be an inspiration to me and people of Hawaii. Obrigado, Ze @josealdojunioroficial Obrigado.”
That’s a classy move from Holloway, and his words ring true. After all, this was only Aldo’s third loss in his 29-fight career, which includes a 10-year unbeaten stretch in which he beat all-comers, including Urijah Faber in his prime, Frankie Edgar, Kenny Florian, Mike Brown, Chad Mendes, Cub Swanson and many more.
Many other fighters have also been singing Aldo’s praises since his defeat, perhaps most notably another Brazilian superstar, Anderson Silva.
“My brother,” Silva wrote in a heartfelt message to Aldo on Instagram. “You are much bigger than any battle, your story gives us the full assurance that you are a great hero, a great champion, I am and I will always be your fan, brother. What you have most precious goes far beyond. Of course we were all rooting for you and for your victory, but do not cover yourself or let anyone charge you brother, because you are fantastic in what you do and do with love and with your heart, do not forget who you are and how much you make a difference in this sport, you have changed the lives of many people, you are cause for victory and overcoming by the example that has become, always keep your head up God is always in control. You are a great champion, no one can take this story from you, no one; Battle is won and other losses, but never war. You are a giant, did not come to this world by chance you are Ze Aldo. Our Ze Aldo. Do not forget brother, GOD bless you always warrior. That is what we are to the end of our days, and those like us my friend, very few.”
For the record, though visibly distraught at having lost at the weekend, Aldo has since vowed to return to the Octagon and rise to the top once again.
