Aldo (photo) lost to McGregor in December 2015. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
In one of his first public demonstrations after losing to Conor McGregor, José Aldo stated that he would like to have a rematch against the Irishman “anytime, anywhere”. However, the Brazilian claimed he did not have the physical conditions to replace his compatriot Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196 and refused the invitation made by Ultimate management.
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UFC lightweight champion Dos Anjos was cut from the March 5 event after suffering a broken foot in the final stretch of his training. According to Aldo's trainer and manager, Dedé Pederneiras, Ultimate approached the former featherweight champion about entering the fight, but the lack of time made the plan unfeasible.
“Dana [White, UFC president] called me early in the morning, telling me what happened and asking if Aldo was in shape to fight. I said I wasn't there and that I didn't have enough time, it was very little, and unfortunately he couldn't fight the following week”, explained Pederneiras, in an interview on the “Combate” channel website. “Aldo has been coming to the gym to do some training, but he is not prepared for a five-round fight. There’s no point in putting an athlete who won’t be physically fit to go until the end of the fifth round in a tough fight,” he added.
At the time of the news that Dos Anjos would not be able to fight, Aldo was in Manaus for a ceremony held by the State Department of Sports of Amazonas. When contacted by the report on the website “GloboEsporte”, the fighter showed irritation and avoided talking about the topic. “I don’t talk about fighting. I do not speak. Did the fight go down? I don't know. What fell? I don’t know anything,” he replied.
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