Jose Aldo was well on his way to becoming one of the greatest of all time back in his day. But sadly, MMA fans mostly only remember him for one thing today– being knocked out by Conor McGregor in 13 seconds in their UFC 194 clash almost a decade ago. This knockout, of course, is considered an epoch-defining event and the moment when the Irishman became the biggest superstar in the entire sport.
On the other hand, it made sure Aldo would forever carry the albatross of being spectacularly KOed by ‘Mystic Mac’. But it is worth asking, why was this moment so important for McGregor’s career? Part of it, of course, is the quickness of the knockout and the fact that the Irishman had perfectly predicted it. But the other, much bigger reason was because of the caliber and credentials of Aldo himself. After all, the ‘King of Rio’ had already cemented his place as an all-time great with his ventures at Featherweight in the UFC and WEC. ‘Junior’ became one of the best MMA fighters in the world because of who he is and where he comes from.
What is Jose Aldo’s ethnicity and nationality
Jose Aldo was born in the tiny town of Manaus amid the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. The former UFC champion is a proud Brazilian and is of Afro-Brazilian ethnicity. Like many Brazilians who have excelled in sports like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Pele, Anderson Silva, and Vinicius Jr, ‘King of Rio’ traces his heritage to the slaves brought over to Brazil from Africa during the period of Portuguese colonialism.
Growing up, Aldo had next to nothing. His father was a manual laborer and except for hot meals and a place to sleep, he didn’t have anything as a child. But this poverty and the desire to overcome it is exactly what drove Aldo to do something with his life.
The Brazilian native was always a bright student but his real passion was sports. Initially, he had wanted to be a soccer player in a country where the sport is an unofficial religion. But, Aldo didn’t fancy his chances very much in a sport that was the love of almost every Brazilian kid.
So ‘Junior’ changed tracks, and initially started training in the dynamic martial art of ‘Capoeira’. However, unable to muster even the paltry sum required for the discipline’s gym, he then joined a BJJ gym led by Marcio Pontes who not only provided him a free gi but also didn’t charge any fee from the future MMA superstar.
Pontes’ faith was rewarded as the Manaus native rapidly ascended through the ranks of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and became a better fighter with each passing day. To further hone his skills, Aldo made the bold decision to leave his hometown for the vibrant martial arts scene of the country’s capital in Rio at the tender age of 17. Who knew the same fighter would be known as ‘The King of Rio’!
Who are Jose Aldo’s parents
Jose Aldo’s father was a brick-layer. A hard worker, Jose Aldo Sr. inculcated not only a terrific work ethic in Jr but also taught him the value of perseverance. Despite his demanding training schedule, Aldo would often accompany his father to construction sites, learning valuable lessons that even the bright lights of the Octagon could not have taught him.
Aldo’s mother was a homemaker and provided a loving and supportive environment for him and his two sisters. However, the most traumatic event in the future UFC champion’s early life came when his mother and father split, leaving Aldo to be raised by his father. While his mother’s absence was undoubtedly challenging, she has remained a steadfast supporter throughout his MMA career and is a familiar sight as his bouts.
Jose Aldo’s early life experiences, marked by hardship and adversity, played a pivotal role in his life as he climbed to the top of the MMA world and etched his name in the annals of all-time greats. ‘Junior’ was forged in fire! The flames can either burn you to ashes or toughen you up for anything life throws at you. Thankfully, the ‘King of Rio’ was very much in the second category.
What religion does Jose Aldo follow?
Joe Aldo is a Christian and it seems he is a pretty devout Christian. While we do not know which denomination ‘King of Rio’ belongs to, most Brazilians are Catholic (50% according to a 2020 estimate), followed by Protestants (31% according to the same 2020 estimate). So it is likely that Aldo is either a Catholic or a Protestant.
While the former UFC featherweight champ doesn’t really talk about his religious beliefs in public, the clearest evidence of his faith in Christ came after the worst moment of his life. A couple of days after being knocked out by Conor McGregor at UFC 194, the former champ would post a heartfelt post, where he would quote Apostle Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians, to promise fans that he would come back from this adversity.
MMA: UFC 237- Aldo vs Volkanovski, May 11, 2019 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Jose Aldo red gloves reacts to fight against Alexander Volkanovski blue gloves during UFC 237 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports, 11.05.2019 00:43:34, 12691822, Jose Aldo, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJasonxdaxSilvax 12691822
“2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are troubled on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” This is FAMILY in good times and especially in bad times… What defines us is how we get up after the fall. Thank you all for the messages of affection and comfort, all of this has only strengthened us!! We will come back much stronger.,” Aldo wrote.
And come back stronger he did. The Brazilian legend went on to win the UFC featherweight title back in his very next fight, undoubtedly in part because of his strong faith in the grace of God. What do you think about Jose Aldo’s journey to becoming an all-time MMA great?
The post Where is Jose Aldo From? Unknown Afro-Brazilian Heritage, Ethnicity, & Parents appeared first on EssentiallySports.
