Jose Aldo Calls It A Career, Could Compete In Other Areas

Jose Aldo has put an end to his career inside the Octagon.

The long-time UFC champion retired, negotiating his release from his contract with the promotion, according to MMA Fighting.

Aldo had one fight left on his deal, but was coming off a decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 last month. Prior to that, he had won three in a row.

From his debut in 2004 through his run as UFC champion, Aldo was placed atop the featherweight division for years. He twice held the UFC title, while also winning the WEC belt.

When the WEC merged with the UFC, he continued to dominate. He defended his UFC title seven times before falling to Conor McGregor, setting a record in the process that still stands today.

Aldo later won the interim belt and became the undisputed champion before moving to the bantamweight division. He fought for the vacant belt, falling to Petr Yan.

Among those Aldo scored wins over includes Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes and Kenny Florian. Also, his feud with McGregor helped elevate the entire division and many of the lower-weight classes within the UFC.

In recent years, Aldo has made it known that he might consider boxing, much like Anderson Silva has done. Silva faces Jake Paul later this year.