Jose Aldo reflects on the significant impact of the WEC as it bids farewell to its last active fighter, Cub Swanson. The WEC, under Zuffa's ownership, played a crucial role in promoting lighter weight classes before they were integrated into the UFC. Aldo recalls the transformative journey in the WEC, where he quickly rose to prominence, capturing the featherweight title and concluding his run as the final champion before the merger. His career trajectory was marked by early successes, culminating in a championship victory that he describes as the realization of his dreams and the reward for his hard work.

By the Numbers
  • Jose Aldo’s WEC debut was in June 2009, where he defeated Cub Swanson in just eight seconds.
  • Aldo won the WEC featherweight title by defeating Mike Brown in November 2009 via second-round TKO.
State of Play
  • Cub Swanson's retirement marks the end of an era for the WEC's influence in MMA.
  • The lighter weight classes promoted by the WEC are now firmly established in the UFC, shaping the current landscape of combat sports.
What's Next

As the legacy of the WEC fades with the retirement of its last fighter, the focus will shift to how the UFC continues to build on the foundations laid by the WEC. New fighters will emerge, seeking to fill the void and further develop the lighter divisions.

Bottom Line

Jose Aldo's journey through the WEC highlights the promotion's pivotal role in advancing lighter weight classes into mainstream MMA, and its legacy will continue to influence the sport as it evolves. Aldo's achievements serve as a testament to the enduring impact of the WEC on the current and future landscape of combat sports.