Conor McGregor admits that José Aldo deserved a rematch and praises the Brazilian

J. Aldo (right) and Conor (left) faced each other in 2015. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ConorMcGregor

At the same time that he collects rivals and enemies wherever he goes, Conor McGregor appears to have left one of their greatest rivalries in the past. More than five years after knocking out José Aldo in just 13 seconds and winning the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), the Irishman praised his former rival and admitted that the Brazilian deserved a rematch at the time.

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“It was great to see Aldo have a good win the other week. What a warrior this guy is. It was an honor to share the octagon with him. I would have loved to face him again. He deserved better, I think. But much respect to José Aldo and all Brazilians”, said McGregor in a video.

Conor McGregor e José Aldo they starred in one of MMA's greatest rivalries in 2015. After months of provocations and much expectation, their meeting in the octagon was short-lived. The Irishman knocked out the Brazilian in just 13 seconds in the main fight of UFC 194, winning the featherweight title and interrupting the former champion's incredible streak of 18 wins.

Still on top of the octagon, while waiting for the official announcement of his victory, Conor McGregor I told José Aldo that they would fight again. However, this never happened. The Irishman moved up to win the lightweight belt (up to 70,2 kg) and never returned to the featherweight division. Aldo, in turn, currently competes in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg).

Recently, José Aldo ruled out any chance of a late rematch against Conor McGregor and also said he was well resolved regarding the past rivalry.

“I don’t see myself facing Conor. It's not the way. I'm rooting for him nowadays, I hope he recovers from his injury, fights at a high level again and becomes champion again. That way, he and I will always be together. It doesn't matter if I'm bad and he's good, or vice versa, people will always put our names together, and that way we lift each other up”, said Aldo in an interview with the website MMAFighting.com.