Aldo recalls motivation for not having his career decline after defeat to McGregor

José Aldo lost featherweight title to Conor McGregor. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Victim of a harsh defeat to Conor McGregor, where he was knocked out in just 13 seconds, José Aldo opened up and revealed what motivated him to not allow his career to go down the drain. Experienced in the world of fights, the Brazilian highlighted the importance of positive thoughts in the midst of difficulties and guaranteed that the focus will always be on being the champion.

“I always thought about being the champion. I don't think that moment was Conor or anyone else. Defeat is what makes me suffer the most, regardless of whether it's Conor or Max (Holloway) after I lost. It doesn't matter to me, what matters is that I'm a champion. From the moment I joined the organization, I wanted to be the champion. From the moment I lost, I got it into my head that I needed to go back to the gym, train more, dedicate myself more and get there to win the fight. So that’s my thought: to be champion”, declared Aldo in an interview with 'The MMA Hour'.

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As he continued speaking, Aldo recalled the weight of the defeat, but assured that he never doubted his potential.

“My mind has always been guided by this, of getting in there, winning the fight, being the champion and continuing to be so. Defeat or victory will always happen in the life of any athlete. That's part of it. Only if you stop early will you not know the bitter taste of history (…) it was a difficult defeat. It was a defeat for a guy who at the time talked a lot and all that, but I think that's part of the game, where I knew I had the potential to come back, fight for the title and be champion again”, he concluded.

Aldo and McGregor face off before the fight. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Back in the UFC, Aldo ended his inactivity in the best way possible: victory in the UFC 301 in front of the Brazilian public and conquered the position of current eighth place in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2kg.). In the midst of negotiating a contract renewal with Ultimate, the athlete is hoping to have another fight for the title, in order to win a second belt in the company.