Jose Aldo’s kickboxing coach has words for UFC 218 critics: ‘Many talk, few know’

Emerson ‘Falcao’ Vieira, kickboxing coach to Jose Aldo, took to social media to respond to Brazilian fans disappointed in Aldo’s latest performance.

Fandom can be a fickle thing. When a fighter is on top of the world, people rush to support them, talk them up, cheer them on. But, when that same fighter starts to lose? Often times their support goes with it. In some regards it exposes the frailties of stardom, but it’s also an ingrained part of professional sports. Sports are, after all, about winning.

And, after his second straight loss to Max Holloway, at UFC 218 this past weekend, It seems fans aren’t being terribly kind to the former UFC featherweight champion. At least that’s the message coming from Jose Aldo’s kickboxing coach, Emerson Vieira, who took to social media to lambaste Brazilian fans for giving Aldo a hard time (translation via MMA Fighting).

"Many talk, few know,” Vieira posted on his Instagram. "This is the truth, Brazilians are used to idolizing crooks and crucifying heroes. It’s almost cultural. Who should be supporting us is pointing fingers, criticizing and judging without having any knowledge to talk about the topic. We’re used to fighting rivals and receive critics from the ones who were supposed be on our side.

"Yesterday, our champion Jose Aldo did his part, fought bravely against a really tough opponent, who was superior in the fight and won, like [Aldo] did for many years and still has what it takes to do. Sports are like this, nothing and no one will erase your story in life and in fighting. Your friends and teammates are proud of everything you’ve already done and will still do. Nothing changed. We lost a battle, but war continues."

This most recent loss marks just the fourth of Aldo’s career, with three of those coming in the last two years. The Brazilian rose to prominence through the WEC ranks, claiming their featherweight championship in 2009. Aldo was promoted to UFC champion in 2011, upon the promotion’s absorption into it’s Zuffa parent company. He defended that belt seven times, before losing it to Conor McGregor in 2015.

No word yet on what Jose Aldo’s next move may be. He has been talking in recent months, about stepping away from the UFC to compete in other sports, and he’s long teased a potential move to the lightweight division. Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for news and updates.