Jose Aldo squared off with Petr Yan for the UFC’s vacant bantamweight title on the main card of last night’s UFC 251 event from Fight Island.
The result was a thrilling scrap which saw both men have their respective moments. However, Yan was able to turn the tide in his favor in the later rounds and ultimately scored a TKO finish after landing a plethora of ground and pound on the Brazilian.
It was a disappointing setback for Jose Aldo, who was looking to join a short list of UFC fighters who have claimed gold in two different weight classes.
Early this afternoon, the former featherweight kingpin took to his official Instagram to issue a statement and provide his fan an update.
“Today I woke up thinking about what to say to everyone, and what I have to say is that defeat is part of the sport, it is part of my life and only one who does not fight does not lose. I gave my best in this fight, I gave my best and best in training, I gave my best in my food, even in times of pandemic I fought for what I wanted, but unfortunately it didn’t. ⠀
Nobody more than I really wanted that belt, I really wanted to make history but my opponent did better yesterday and he has his merits.”
Jose Aldo continued:
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“But people tend to carry the idea of a perfect world and forget that losing a battle does not make you capable of humiliating, let alone discarding the other. Empathy is always putting yourself in the other’s shoes. I will come back much stronger than I already am. My gratitude goes out to my Nova União team, my friends, fans and my family to whom I dedicate my best every day. Strength and honor always! God is with us 🙏🏽”
Who would you like to see Jose Aldo fight next?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.com on July 12, 2020