Aldo beats Martinez by unanimous decision in UFC comeback

"The King of Rio" is back.

Jose Aldo was victorious in his return to the UFC, defeating No. 12-ranked bantamweight Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in the UFC 301 co-main event Saturday night at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

Aldo, one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, came back to the sport following a 20-month retirement to complete the final bout on his UFC contract. The Brazilian indicated in his postfight interview that he plans to continue competing, though it's unclear whether that'll be under the UFC banner or elsewhere.

"My next step is sitting with (UFC CEO) Dana (White), (matchmaker) Sean (Shelby), and (chief business officer) Hunter (Campbell), and we'll see where it goes," Aldo said.

"I said that this wasn't going to be my last fight. I still have the physique - I see that I can still go for it. So maybe we can come back in here and become the champion."

Aldo, the inaugural UFC featherweight champion, was inducted into the promotion's Hall of Fame last summer.

The 37-year-old outworked Martinez on the feet over three rounds, landing 77 significant strikes to Martinez's 52. Aldo landed punches, body shots, and leg kicks throughout the contest, and he rocked Martinez with a left hand in the third round to seal the victory.

Aldo retired after a unanimous decision loss to top bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 in August 2022. At the time, Aldo was still a top-10 fighter at 135 pounds. He competed in three boxing matches in 2023, including against UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens. In MMA, Aldo has now won four of his last five.

Martinez was riding a six-fight winning streak entering the biggest fight of his career. The 30-year-old American hadn't suffered a loss in the Octagon since March 2021.