McGregor (photo) praised the determination shown by Aldo and Mendes. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Sitting in one of the first rows of bleachers at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium last Saturday (25), Conor McGregor had a privileged view of the main fight of UFC Rio 5, between José Aldo e Chad Mendes.
Normally ironic and acidic when talking about other fighters in the featherweight division, this time the Irishman surprised and praised the pair after the five-round war. “It was a phenomenal fight. The two earned my respect, because they went for it all or nothing and faced each other in the best style of frank striking. It was a beautiful fight to watch”, highlighted McGregor, in an interview with the North American broadcaster “FOX Sports”. “Aldo can be hit, but he always shows he has heart. He showed his desire to win, but he also seemed frustrated at times. Aldo kept looking at the referee, and I think he got frustrated, but it was a great fight. I have a lot of respect for anyone who steps into the Octagon and leaves everything they have there. But I think if I land one blow, the fight is over. That’s the difference between me and the rest of the featherweight division,” he continued.
Despite the complimentary words, McGregor said he saw flaws in Aldo's game during the five-round fight against Mendes. “You can’t keep your feet planted on the ground. You can't stand in front of me like Aldo did with Mendes. One or two good hits from me on him and the fight is over. And I don't need to hit the target, it can be anywhere. I definitely saw holes in his game. My confidence went through the roof watching the fight,” he concluded.
Before thinking about the belt, McGregor has other plans ahead of him. In January, he will face Dennis Siver, ninth in the category's official rankings.
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