C. McGregor (photo) wishes J. Aldo luck on his bantamweight debut. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @thenotoriousmma
Compliments sometimes come from places you never expect. After some criticism directed at the decision to José Aldo in venturing into the rooster division (up to 61,2kg.), Conor McGregor, Manauara's eternal rival, came to the Brazilian's defense and stated that he believed in the success of the 'People's Champion' in the new category. In response to a comment from 'ESPN' reporter, Ariel Helwani, who questioned the physique and decision of José, the Irishman, on his 'Twitter' account, praised his former opponent.
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"I disagree. He looks very good, in my experienced opinion. He's in good shape physically before he fights and, naturally, he's a lighter man now. This can only be done over a long period of time and with complete dedication. Respect! I wish you well and am excited to see you in this division,” wrote Conor.
McGregor was responsible for ending Aldo's reign in December 2015. At the time, the Irishman elevated the promotion from what represented the main fight of UFC 194 and, after months of provocations, shocked the world by defeating the manauara in just 13 seconds confrontation.
After the great feat, Conor confirmed himself as the company's biggest star, even moving up a division and winning the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg). While the Irishman was enjoying his stardom, the Brazilian ended up going into decline in his career, having regained the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg), after Conor chose to act in the higher category, but lost to Max Holloway in his first defense.
Aldo tried to regain his number one spot in a rematch against the Hawaiian, but ended up succumbing, for the second time, to his rival's excellent boxing in a knockout in the third round, in 2017.
The two followed different paths. While McGregor was having super fights for million-dollar sums, Aldo was trying to find his way back into the division.
A few months ago, the Brazilian surprised by announcing his migration to the bantamweight category. By aiming for the title that today belongs to Henry Cejudo, the man from Manaus regained his motivation and set his goal to once again hold a UFC title.
Currently, Conor no longer holds any Ultimate belt. The athlete has not played since October 2018, when he was beaten by Khabib Nurmagomedov in an attempt to regain his title. After a year full of speculation, the Irishman confirmed his return to the Octagon for January 2020, when he will face Donald Cerrone in the main fight of UFC 246.
Aldo makes his debut in the new category on December 14, in one of the fights of UFC 245. The athlete fights in Brazil against the former category challenger, Marlon moraes, who is looking to win to challenge Cejudo again.
I disagree here. He looks more than on top of it in my experienced opinion. Well trimmed in advance, and naturally a lighter man now. This can only be done over a long length of time and with complete dedication. Respect! I wish him well and am excited to see him in this division
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 6, 2019
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