Max Holloway Praises ‘King of Brazil’ Jose Aldo Following UFC Fortaleza Win

Max Holloway may have Jose Aldo’s number, but he also has nothing but respect for the former featherweight king.

Aldo won his second straight bout in the UFC Fight Night 144 co-main event, stopping rising contender Renato Carneiro via technical knockout 44 seconds into the second round of their encounter. Once Aldo stunned “Moicano” with a left hook to the jaw his killer instinct took over, and he swarmed his countryman for a quick stoppage.

Since losing back-to-back title fights to Holloway in convincing fashion, the former UFC and WEC champion has authored impressive victories over Carneiro and Stephens, showing that he may still very well be the world’s No. 2 featherweight behind the Hawaiian champion.

“Not just king of Rio. King of Brazil,” Holloway tweeted in response to an ESPN MMA post. “King of defending champs. Congrats Ze Aldo. Nothing but love for you my bratha.”

Not just king of Rio. King of Brazil. King of defending champs. Congrats Ze Aldo. Nothing but love for you my bratha https://t.co/6ijEjBnzvn

— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 3, 2019

Holloway defeated Aldo via third-round TKO in their first meeting at UFC 212 and followed that up with another third round stoppage in their rematch at UFC 218. While that may make it difficult for Aldo to earn another title shot as long as “Blessed” reigns atop the division, the Brazilian many regard as the best featherweight ever figures to be in line for more high-profile bouts as he potentially closes out his career in 2019.