Aldo (left) defeated Mendes (right) for the second time at UFC 179. Photo: Inovafoto
The victory suffered against Chad Mendes in the main attraction of UFC Rio 5, as UFC 179 became popularly known, left the featherweight champion satisfied, José Aldo. The Brazilian, who defeated the North American for the second time in the judges' decision, believes that the spectacle provided in the Maracanãzinho gym ended up being positive not only for him, but also for all parties involved.
“The fight was a war. It was a good fight and I think everyone won,” said Aldo, thestill with a very swollen face, in an interview with the “Globo Esporte” program. “The five rounds were quite tough and we were both touching each other a lot. I have a bit of a mark, but it's part of the job, it's the bones of the job, that's just how my work is. Thank God the victory is ours and that’s what matters.”
In the first meeting between Aldo and Mendes, in 2012, the Brazilian won by knockout in the final seconds of the first round. The rematch almost didn't have the same result, as the champion left the challenger stunned when the bell sounded. “I thought 'my brother, this is it now'. I engaged first and fifth and that was it. In the end, if I had had one more second, I think I would have finished the fight. I needed one more punch when he fell”, commented Aldo, who thought the fight was over.
“The round ended and I even thought I had won. I was about to [run] to the crowd, but I saw people coming in with the stool and I knew it wasn’t over,” she recalled.
After the fight ended, Aldo unearthed an old provocation from Romário and stated that his reign in the UFC was complete: “We have the king, the prince [Chad Mendes] and the jester”, referring to Conor McGregor. This time, Aldo mentioned the Irishman in a more serious and direct way: “I'm waiting for him. As soon as we are face to face, he will see who the champion is”, he promised.
Finally, Aldo, a fanatical Flamengo fan, guaranteed that he will be at the Maracanã stadium on Wednesday (29) to watch his favorite club's game against Atlético Mineiro, valid for the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. “On Wednesday I will be there at Maracanã, cheering. Let's see, I think Flamengo will do very well in this first game. I'm going to Minas too. You can rest assured that I will go to Maracanã and, God willing, to Mineirão too, supporting Flamengo”, commented the fighter, this time in an interview with “Redação SporTV”.
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