Max Holloway: Losing at UFC 212 Takes Nothing Away from Jose Aldo’s Legacy

Max Holloway has nothing but the utmost respect for man whose title he took at UFC 212.

The newly-crowned featherweight champion issued a heartfelt message on Jose Aldo’s behalf via Instagram, emphasizing that the Brazilian’s loss to Holloway at UFC 212 “takes nothing away from his legacy.” Prior to his third-round technical knockout victory over Aldo in last Saturday’s headliner at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Holloway admitted that he had admired Aldo since he was a teenager. His post reflected those feelings.

“Losing is part of this fight game. Saturday night takes nothing away from his legacy. This is a guy who would show up to his gym sometimes without eating in the last day because he was so damn poor. This is a guy who built the 45 division and became king,” Holloway wrote. “This is a guy who found motivation to keep earning what he already had. He defended his throne. For a decade. For honor. For his team. For his countrymen. This is a guy who didn't start at pole position in this world and look at what he achieved. Brazil needs to celebrate that man. Acai with powered milk and cashews for everyone.”

Aldo’s loss marked his second setback in three Octagon appearances. However, the Nova Uniao stalwart established himself as arguably the best featherweight of all-time during a dominant run through the WEC and UFC that included wins over notable names such as Frankie Edgar (twice), Chad Mendes (twice), Ricardo Lamas, Chan Sung Jung, Kenny Florian, Uriah Faber, Mike Thomas Brown and Cub Swanson, to name a few.

Earlier this week, Aldo issued a statement of his own, vowing to bounce back from the defeat. Even in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world of MMA, Holloway believes Aldo’s place is secure no matter what happens next.

“He’s a GOAT, and his story will always be an inspiration to me and the people of Hawaii,” Holloway wrote.

Losing is part of this fight game. Saturday night takes nothing away from his legacy. This is a guy who would show up to his gym sometimes without eating in the last day because he was so damn poor. This is a guy who built the 45 division and became king. This is a guy who found motivation to keep earning what he already had. He defended his throne. For a decade. For honor. For his team. For his countrymen. This is a guy who didn't start at pole position in this world and look at what he achieved. Brazil needs to celebrate that man. Acai with powered milk and cashews for everyone. He's a GOAT, and his story will always be an inspiration to me and people of Hawaii. Obrigado, Ze @josealdojunioroficial Obrigado.

A post shared by Max Holloway (@blessedmma) on Jun 7, 2017 at 10:04am PDT