Jose Aldo had a Hall of Fame career that saw him compete against the sport’s best in the UFC. While he is proud about his career, Aldo revealed that a rematch with Conor McGregor was the one fight that got away. He would have liked the chance to redeem himself, but has no regrets.
Aldo and McGregor were involved in one of the most memorable octagon moments in UFC history. The Irishman ascended the featherweight rankings and captured the interim featherweight championship. His popularity surged, driven by his brash style and charismatic press conferences.
McGregor dropped Aldo with a knockout blow only 13 seconds into the 1st round to became the undisputed UFC featherweight champion.
Despite Aldo’s legendary run, there was no immediate rematch. Instead, McGregor faced Floyd Mayweather in a boxing bout and later Nate Diaz. The Brazilian, meanwhile, faced Frankie Edgar at UFC 200, where he captured the interim featherweight championship.
Aldo stated that the rematch was a possibility, but it was not meant to be.
“I had great fights. A rematch with Conor [McGregor] could have happened. But I’m very satisfied with my career. I was fully committed, I never turned down a fight, I always fought the best,” Aldo exclusively told Heavy Sports via Jackpot City Casino.
The UFC Hall of Famer also admitted that he would have liked to pursue a lightweight title fight.
“Whether coming up or later on, I always said: if I’m not fight at the highest level against the best, I don’t want to be there,” he said. “At the time, I would’ve liked to fight at lightweight while I was champion, maybe even for a title. That’s something I wanted but couldn’t do.”
Jose Aldo Opens Up About Relationship with Conor McGregor
Jose Aldo also opened up about his current relationship with Conor McGregor years after their bout. While there was strong animosity leading up to their title fight, Aldo revealed that they are now on great terms.
Aldo said that he and McGregor keep in touch and exchange messages. He stressed that he carries that same mentality toward all his past opponents. The Hall of Famer expressed joy that the Irishman found peace in his faith and extended his well wishes.
“[My relationship with McGregor is] very good. Not just with Conor, but with all my opponents, I’ve always had respect and a certain fondness for everyone,” Aldo told Jackpot City Casino. “We exchange messages now and then. Recently, I told him I was very happy he accepted Jesus as his savior. I congratulated him and all that.”
He added: “I have a good relationship with him and I always wish him the best. I hope he continues on the right path and does great things in life.”
Aldo Reveals McGregor Wasn’t His Toughest UFC Fight
Aldo also revealed that his bout with McGregor was not his toughest.
The former featherweight champion considers all of his fights to be difficult. Surprisingly, Aldo said his rematch with Chad Mendes was what he considers his most difficult.
“I always say all of them. Every fight was difficult. For me, it’s not the fight itself, it’s the training leading up to it,” Aldo exclusively told Heavy Sports via Jackpot City Casino. “If I had to pick one, the one everyone asks about, I always say the rematch against Chad Mendes in Rio.”
Exclusive: Ex-UFC Champion Jose Aldo Reveals One Fight That Got Away