Forbes released its annual 30 under 30 list, and Jose Aldo is the only MMA fighter featured among sports stars in Forbes’ list for 2016.
Aldo started 2015 as the first and only UFC featherweight champion and undefeated since 2005, but lost his 145-pound crown to Conor McGregor in just 13 seconds on Dec. 12.
"Even with his UFC 194 loss, Aldo would still make any comprehensive list of great UFC fighters," Forbes wrote. "He was the defending featherweight UFC champion and was ranked No. 1 in official UFC pound-for-pound rankings. He also went a decade without losing a match since 2005 and reigned as a world champion for 6 years."
"Scarface", who is campaigning for an immediate rematch with McGregor, reacted to Forbes’ list on his Instagram page. The Brazilian became the third UFC star to ever appear on the Forbes ’30 under 30’ list, following Ronda Rousey’s nomination in 2014, and Jon Jones’ in the following year.
"I have dreamed about a lot of things in my life," Aldo wrote. "Being a champion in the fighting world, winning the belt and bein #1 pound for pound in the UFC, and as any Brazilian, to play football in the Maracana stadium. Thank God, I've been able to make these dreams come true. But I've never even thought of being in a Forbes list. This is why I'm so grateful and humbled for being selected as one of the most important people in the world under the age of 30.
Being the only Brazilian on the list and share this honor with other top notch athletes, like Steph Curry and Russel Wilson, feels amazing. I'm so glad that my career and my life story has inspired people not only in Brazil but in the whole world. I thank you for the support and I'm sure this is a good omen, because 2016 will be a year of glory and happiness. Let's go!"