José Aldo celebrates increase in popularity in Brazil: 'It's like he was Neymar'

J. Aldo (photo) fueled the mood for the fight against McGregor even more. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Current longest-serving Brazilian UFC champion, José Aldo is slowly becoming one of the biggest stars in the sport. The featherweight champion, who will have one of the most anticipated fights of the year in July, against Conor McGregor, celebrated the fact that he has been gaining popularity in his home country, enough for him to compare himself with perhaps the biggest sports star in Brazil at the moment.

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“[The recognition in Brazil] is big, very big. Especially because, thank God, the Brazilian media is covering the UFC nowadays. It’s recognition as if it were Neymar”, said the champion, in a press conference reproduced on the “Combate” channel website.

However, the sports star will go through a real trial by fire against McGregor, with their rivalry reaching stratospheric levels. Despite being constantly provoked by the Irishman, Aldo minimized the tension and stated that he is not letting himself be bothered by his opponent's acidic words. “At no point did it bother me. It's easier to get me out of my head by laughing. My strength is the head. Getting inside it is impossible. I'm not even worried. Face to face doesn't mean anything. I got into his head. He knows what awaits him. I looked into his eyes and saw how he is. Back then, Conor was always a big fan of mine, a guy who tried to imitate me when I was starting out. I've been watching him for a long time, I've studied him, I've seen all their movements. I know what I have to do,” he declared.

the fight between José Aldo e Conor McGregor will be the main attraction of UFC 189, on July 11th, in Las Vegas (USA). On the same night, there will be another title fight: Rory McDonald challenges Robbie Lawler for the welterweight belt.

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