Jose Aldo explains the mystery behind his disappearing tattoo at UFC Fight Night 183

Following his first bantamweight win, Jose Aldo explained the mystery behind his 'disappearing tattoo' displayed at the recent UFC Fight Night 183

Alex Roberts

Jose Aldo explains the mystery behind his disappearing tattoo at UFC Fight Night 183

Fans were left puzzled

Jose Aldo has explained the mystery behind his ‘disappearing tattoo’ displayed at the recent UFC Fight Night 183.

When Aldo took to the octagon for his bantamweight clash with Marlon Vera, he looked to be sporting a brand new chest tattoo.

However, by the time the fight had finished – and Aldo had picked up the win – the tattoo was nowhere to be seen. Just what had gone on?

After the event, Aldo explained.

Speaking to the media via a translator, the Brazilian said: “The truth, I didn’t know if I needed permission because it’s the Navy Seals, and I put it there in the hotel before I came here, and I warmed up for three hours without a shirt.

“Nobody told me anything. I don’t think it’s a problem because it doesn’t have any sponsor information. If I caused any problems, I apologise.”

Jose Aldo (yellow trunks) picked up his first win at bantamweight level with victory over Marlon Vera at the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

It appears that Jose Aldo’s tattoo was temporary, and was intended to pay homage to Brazil’s Navy Seals. The tattoo depicted a logo supporting a special forces unit attached to the Brazilian Navy, whom Aldo has spent some time training with in the past.

The tattoo could have landed him in hot water, however.

Unapproved body art is a potential violation of the UFC’s Promotional Guidelines Compliance policy. In his statement, however, Aldo said he didn’t think it was an issue as it didn’t denote any sponsor information. He has subsequently apologised for any problems associated with the tattoo.

Aldo’s win over Marlon Vera ended a three-fight losing streak, and was the 34-year-old’s first victory at bantamweight level.

After picking up the win, Aldo called out T.J. Dillashaw, who is currently serving a suspension. He said he doesn’t have a personal problem with Dillashaw, but the fans need to see the two together in the octagon.

Aldo said: “I don’t have anything personal with T.J. I just want to make great fights for the fans. I think T.J. is a great former champion, and I think this fight makes sense for everybody.”