How many languages ​​does Jose Aldo speak? Does he speak English?

Back in 2008, no one could have predicted the journey of the first UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo would still resonate in the UFC today. His debut in the UFC was nothing short of dramatic. Aldo first captured World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) championship gold in 2009, but after the UFC took over the WEC, its fighters were absorbed into the UFC and Aldo was crowned the UFC's first featherweight champion. He lived up to expectations and extended his winning streak to 15 fights – a streak broken by Conor McGregor in just 13 seconds.

After this knockout, Aldo's career never quite regained its former momentum and marked a crucial chapter in his MMA resume. But at this twilight stage of his career, Aldo no longer cares about titles or money, he seems to be enjoying his MMA journey. Although there are many professional aspects to this Brazilian icon, what fascinates fans most is how many languages ​​this MMA sensation can speak.

Jose Aldo is a proud Portuguese speaker

Jose Aldo, like many other Brazilians, is proud to speak Portuguese. Although Aldo spent more than a decade in America for work, he always tried to speak more Portuguese than English. In an interview with Ariel Helwani in 2022, Jose Aldo revealed his love for his motherland and his language, saying: “For work, I prefer Portuguese. Portuguese is the language of my heart; It is the language of my feelings. It is the language in which I believe I can express myself best.“

For UFC pre- and post-fight conferences, he prefers a translator, a gesture that sets him apart from other Brazilian fighters who, after arriving in America, often forget their country and culture and try to fit into American culture. In this respect, Aldo stands out from everyone else. But what is the reason for Jose Aldo's preference for Portuguese and his seeming disregard for the English language?

Why doesn't Jose Aldo speak English?

For anyone – whether a chef, engineer or MMA fighter from other countries – coming to America and settling there is almost a dream.Land of opportunities.” This is not just a label, but a reality that every working class person wants to see come true, not only for themselves but also for their families, as America is known for its good education, colleges and future opportunities. Everyone wants to live the dream of the American life, a sentiment echoed a few months ago by ONE Championship star Gustavo Balart, a former Olympian who left Cuba for America to become an MMA fighter and seek better opportunities . He wanted to earn enough to bring his wife and children here, which he said was his motivation.

However, Jose Aldo didn't think so. He never wanted to leave home, a feeling that was evident in an interview with renowned MMA reporter Ariel Helwani. When Helwani asked Aldo if he was trying to improve his English like other Brazilian UFC fighters, the Brazilian phenom dismissed the idea. He claimed “First of all, these particular fighters live in the US and they all wanted to live in the US. When they began learning English, there was a secondary goal, which was to start their family and life in the United States. This is a goal I have never shared. I would never leave Brazil… I am very patriotic towards Brazil, my country, and that includes my language.”

Even though Jose Aldo never planned to leave his native Brazil and has no interest in speaking English, that doesn't mean he doesn't speak English. Aldo, a jack-of-all-trades, shocked MMA fans earlier this summer when he demonstrated his fluency in English during a matchup with the No. 8-ranked UFC flyweight contender Steve Erceg.

When the world heard Jose Aldo speak in English

After the COVID-19 period, everything seemed to be going well in Jose Aldo's life. After three straight losses, Aldo bounced back with three straight wins against opponents like Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz and Rob Font. However, his journey failed again when he clashed with the newly crowned bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in 2022. This prompted Aldo, 38, to take time off from the sport to focus on his training, which proved effective in his comeback when he defeated Jonathan Martinez, a runner with a six-fight winning streak , at UFC 301 in the summer of 2024.

As Aldo walked through the lobby after that fight, he ran into fellow fighter Steve Erceg. They exchanged friendly words, with Erceg saying: “Nice to meet you; You are one of my favorite partners ever.” Aldo smiled and replied, “Thank you.” Erceg then politely asked if he could take a photo with him, to which Aldo replied“Yes No problem. Thanks, but no problem. Bless.”

Currently, all eyes are on the upcoming UFC event in Salt Lake City, where 38-year-old Jose Aldo looks to repeat his last fight performance against Mario Bautista. Who will you root for – Aldo or Bautista? Give your opinion below.