Masvidal On Aldo's Featherweight GOAT Status

Jorge Masvidal says Jose Aldo remains the greatest featherweight in MMA history, a claim that dismisses more recent champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

Speaking on the Deep Waters podcast, Masvidal put Aldo above all challengers at 145 pounds based on his WEC and early UFC run. "To me, it's Jose," he said, per MMA Junkie. "I don't think nobody can surpass Jose. What Jose did at WEC and then what he did in the UFC, those early fights of him at 145, I don't think nobody can surpass that. He was just too incredible."

Masvidal's Case for Aldo Over Current Stars

Masvidal credited Aldo's complete skill set as the separator, calling him the best defensive wrestler ever while noting his striking and submission games were equally sharp. The former welterweight contender went further, arguing that a prime Aldo would beat both Volkanovski and Holloway head to head. "I think in his prime, he beats Volk, and he beats Max," Masvidal told the podcast.

Aldo's record includes a seven-year unbeaten streak and multiple title defenses across two promotions, though he lost four of his final five UFC bouts before retiring in 2025. BJ Penn dot com reported this week that Aldo is scheduled to return October 4 against a former UFC title challenger in a non-UFC promotion.

Volkanovski held the UFC featherweight belt twice and beat Holloway three times before losing the strap earlier this year. Holloway holds the division record for most wins and title defenses behind only Aldo, making Masvidal's claim a direct challenge to the modern consensus on featherweight greatness.

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• BJPenn — Jorge Masvidal believes Jose Aldo is still the featherweight GOAT