José Aldo
Scarecrow Era (2009-2014) · 2009–2014
Aldo's elite Striking (92) and strong Fight IQ (88) define this era.
Trophy Case
2009
def. Mike Brown via R2 KO to claim the WEC belt
2011
7 consecutive defenses — longest featherweight reign in UFC history
2011, 2013, 2014
Three bonuses during his dominant featherweight run
The Story
The Decade of Dominance
Aldo went unbeaten for nearly ten years, defending the featherweight title seven times. His leg kicks were devastating weapons that permanently changed how fighters approach the stand-up game. Before McGregor, Aldo was considered one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
The King of Rio
From the favelas of Manaus to the top of the MMA world, Aldo's journey is one of the most inspiring in combat sports. His speed, power, and takedown defense made him the blueprint for the modern featherweight. His legacy extends far beyond one 13-second fight.
Signature Moments
The 10-Year Reign — Featherweight King
Aldo went undefeated for nearly a decade, defending the featherweight title 7 times. He was the most complete striker in MMA — leg kicks that broke opponents, boxing that knocked them out, and wrestling that shut down takedown artists.
Ten years without a loss. Seven title defenses. José Aldo was the featherweight division for an entire decade.
The 13-Second KO — McGregor Ends the Reign
After a year of McGregor's trash talk, the fight lasted 13 seconds. McGregor countered Aldo's rush with a single left hook and the pound-for-pound king crumbled. It was the most shocking finish in UFC championship history. A decade of dominance erased in one punch.
Thirteen seconds. After years of buildup. The greatest featherweight ever lost in the time it takes to tie a shoe. MMA is the cruelest sport.
The Comeback — Bantamweight Contender at 35
After the McGregor loss, Aldo reinvented himself at bantamweight, dropping 10 pounds and becoming a title contender at 35. He beat elite fighters half his age. The man McGregor knocked out in 13 seconds proved he was far more than one bad moment.
He lost in 13 seconds and rebuilt his entire career at a lower weight class. Aldo's second act was almost as impressive as his first.
Career Numbers
Career Record
18-fight UFC win streak including 7 title defenses at 145
31-8
Career KOs
Also Matt Hughes (18) — Aldo's leg kicks were devastating
17
Title Defenses
WEC + UFC FW title defenses (combined)
7
Win Streak
Peak win streak
18
1694
Total Sig. Strikes Landed
1,694 sig. strikes — dominated FW with surgical leg kicks
482
Career Leg Kicks Landed
482 leg kicks landed — opponents couldn't walk after fighting him
13
13-Second Title Loss
Lost the FW belt in 13 seconds to McGregor — the cruelest stat in MMA
7
First-Round Finishes
7 first-round finishes — including Cub Swanson in 8 seconds
3.9
Strikes Per Minute
Strikes per minute — relentless pace from round 1 to round 5
Season Stats · Scarecrow Era (2009-2014)
Engine Attributes
Fan Debate
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