On Friday, former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo stepped into the ring for his first professional boxing match. The six-round bout took place at the Nova Uniao Upper Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and was broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass. Aldo faced off against 33-year-old Alberto Emmanuel Zambrano, but it was a one-sided decision in favor of the former UFC champion.
Patient Stalking in the First Round
The first round saw Aldo patiently stalking Zambrano around the ring. The latter attempted to offer a few jabs and combinations, but Aldo’s counters proved to be more accurate and impactful. The former UFC champion continued to put the pressure on in the second round, searching for bigger punches to land. Zambrano remained active on the outside, causing Aldo to defend himself at times, but Aldo’s forward movement and slick defense still dominated the fight.
Powerful Combinations in the Third Round
In the third round, Aldo showed off his power with some impressive combinations. He even attempted to end the fight after landing a big right uppercut that rocked Zambrano, but a finish was not to be had. The fourth round saw Zambrano landing a few nice punches as Aldo’s offensive output slowed. The round ended with Aldo landing a low blow that briefly paused the fight.
Accidental Clash of Heads and Final Round
The fifth round saw an accidental clash of heads that caused a pause in the fight, but Aldo regained momentum by landing cleaner strikes before the bell. In the final round, Aldo continued to march forward as the crowd chanted his name.
He evaded some of Zambrano’s punches while targeting the body and looking for a knockout blow. The fight reached its conclusion with both fighters embracing before the scorecards were read.
The judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Aldo with scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 60-54. This victory marked Aldo’s debut as a professional boxer and solidified his status as an undefeated fighter. Zambrano, meanwhile, remains winless in his pro boxing career.
In conclusion, the debut fight for Jose Aldo in Shooto Brazil Boxing was a success, solidifying the former UFC champion’s transition to the world of professional boxing. With his impressive performance, Aldo has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
