For most UFC fans, Jose Aldo is widely considered among the very best in the sport’s illustrious history. And with good measure.
Across the board, Aldo has been labeled the featherweight division’s G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
Ahead of the former UFC Featherweight Champion’s highly anticipated return to the Octagon, here’s a closer look at the distinctive scar on his face and its connection with one of his nicknames – “Scarface.”
How Did Jose Aldo Get the Scar on His Face?
Aldo was born in Manaus in the state of Amazonas in Brazil, on Sept. 9, 1986. In an interview with talkSPORT, Aldo explained how he received the scar on his face.
The incident in question occurred at a family party.
Aldo said that his eldest sister, Joseline, was playing and threw his crib at her younger sister. Aldo, who was just a one-year-old at the time, ended up falling into a lit barbecue face-first, ending up with a big scar. He recalled, “They were playing around and threw me in there… It was hot. I was a little baby. They were little kids. There was another time when my little sister broke my head. I have all kinds of stories.”
Aldo initially had an eye on becoming a soccer player.
Nevertheless, he was on the receiving end of beatings as a youngster, which deepened a desire to learn to defend himself. He eventually started training in different martial arts such as BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), Capoeira, and more.
After moving to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his combat sports arsenal went from strength to strength. He eventually forged a stellar legacy for himself in the sport of MMA and in the UFC.
Given his terrifying presence in his athletic prime and his scar, the nickname “Scarface” was bestowed upon him.
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For context, “Scarface” is a fictional character that could be traced back to Armitage Trail’s novel, “Scarface” (published in 1930). A couple of movies of the same name were released in 1932 and 1983. Al Pacino played the titular role of “Scarface” aka Tony Montana in the 1983 film, which is still considered to be a cult classic.
The nickname notwithstanding, Aldo is considered to be one of the most respectful professional MMA fighters and generally refrains from indulging in excessive trash talk against his opponents. That, in turn, is believed to be a key dichotomy between him and the aforementioned fictional character with whom he shares the same nickname.
Furthermore, the Brazilian fighter’s supporters fondly refer to him by multiple monikers — including “Junior” and “King of Rio.”
Presently, Aldo is scheduled to fight legendary MMA coach Firas Zahabi’s younger brother, Aiemann Zahabi, in a bantamweight matchup at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025.
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