Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is still struggling to process his knockout loss to Conor McGregor at UFC 194.
It was one of the biggest fights in UFC history and had an emotional build for nearly a year. Unfortunately for Aldo, it was over in just 13 seconds. McGregor did exactly what he said it was going to do and leveled the champion with his famous left hand.
Aldo told SporTV (translated by MMAJunkie), “We trained hard, did everything right, and the result wasn’t positive. It takes a while for us to digest, but it’s part (of the sport). It’s a sport, and we have to accept.”
In spite of the result being quick and emphatic, the longtime champion wants his rematch.
José Aldo crying inside his locker-room after #UFC194. His team looks devastated! pic.twitter.com/oHlQS3IhMn
— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) December 14, 2015
Aldo recalled that he spoke to White following UFC 194, but it was too soon to talk about the rematch as emotions were too high following the defeat.
A rematch may be difficult to get. McGregor ended the fight without any controversy, and it came on the heels of the lengthy buildup. Following the win, McGregor has a variety of options open and available to him that include Frankie Edgar and moving up to 155 pounds to challenge the winner of Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone.
McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour (h/t MMAFighting) that McGregor is already looking at going after the lightweight strap in March or April before challenging Edgar at UFC 200.
Aldo may have a case for the immediate rematch as a long-reigning champion, but with the options available to McGregor, he may be left on the outside looking in while McGregor goes after other challenges. It would force the ex-champion to take a fight, reestablish himself and become the No. 1-ranked contender.
The Brazilian is right. It is too soon to talk about his rematch. Not because of emotions but because the ball is 100 percent in McGregor’s court. He is the captain of the UFC’s ship right now, and he will get to pick the direction in which it sails in 2016.
