"He’s always helped me in my life. I get emotional talking about it" - Jose Aldo reveals moving story of retirement conversation with Dana White, the role it played in his son's birth
Jose Aldo recently revealed a heartwarming story about his MMA retirement conversation with UFC president Dana White and how it impacted the birth of his son. On September 18, Aldo announced his retirement from MMA. On the same day, his wife, Vivianne Perreira, gave birth to their son, Jose Aldo III.
As reported by MMA Fighting, Aldo recently appeared on the Trocação Franca podcast and recalled that when his wife was still in the 36th week of her pregnancy, he texted White about wanting to retire from MMA.
White responded by thanking Aldo for everything he did for the UFC and letting him know that he's always welcome at the UFC and the UFC PI (Performance Institute). Apparently, the Brazilian MMA icon showed Perreira the message, which made her emotional and spiked her blood pressure.
She was then hospitalized and diagnosed with preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication. Doctors initially wanted to ensure that the childbirth was delayed for two more weeks but had to deliver the child early due to the health complication.
Jose Aldo pointed out that Dana White's message, the diagnosis, and the early delivery turned out to be a boon. He noted that the doctors later revealed that his son was born with a knot in his umbilical cord and may not have survived another two weeks inside the womb. Asserting that he'd never stand against White, Aldo stated:
"Even unintentionally, he’s always helped me in my life. I get emotional talking about it. Not that I owe him my son’s life, but it was after his message that got Vivianne emotional, her blood pressure going up, and we taking her to the hospital. He was born with all odds against him, but thanks to Dana… God always puts good people in our lives to help us."
The King of Rio calls it a career 👑
Congratulations @JoseAldoJunior on a legendary run 👏 https://t.co/VvRQwFV0PO
Dana White praises Jose Aldo for his contribution to MMA and the UFC
Dana White recently paid tribute to MMA legend Jose Aldo for his contributions to the sport and the UFC. During a media scrum after Aldo's retirement announcement, White praised the former UFC featherweight champion and bantamweight contender. White said:
"This is a guy that from the WEC to the UFC, helped build the sport, this brand and Brazil for us. So, we love him and we always will."
Watch Dana White discuss the topic at 5:40 in the video below:
Jose Aldo is still under contract with the UFC and has one fight left on his contract. Aldo has indicated that he won't compete in MMA again, but if he does, it'll be in the UFC. Moreover, he's suggested that he'd like to try his hand at the sport of boxing next.