“He was lucky” – Jose Aldo once attributed luck as a factor in Conor McGregor defeating him
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UFC 194 saw the end of one of the most dominant winning streaks in the promotion’s history. Conor McGregor knocked out Jose Aldo within 13 seconds of round one to claim the UFC featherweight championship. With his victory, the Irishman ended a 18-fight win streak Aldo boasted.
While many praised McGregor’s accuracy and precision that night, Aldo believed it was a lucky punch McGregor landed. The former 145-pound champion also mentioned that if things had to take a different turn, Conor McGregor would have found himself flat on the canvas.
According to ESPN MMA reporter Brett Okamoto, Aldo said, “Obviously, there was luck involved. He was lucky to get that shot in right away. If my punch would have landed a little lower, then he would have been the one on the mat. So there was definitely luck involved.” [H/T ESPN]
Luck involved or not, McGregor’s knockout of Jose Aldo is one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. However, considering everything ‘Junior’ did for the sport and his division, it seemed unfair to many that he wasn’t granted an immediate rematch. At the time, the Brazilian MMA legend voiced his frustration too.
Related: WATCH: A Young Jose Aldo’s heartwarming footage of buying his first custom-made suit
Jose Aldo wasn’t happy about not getting a rematch
Brazilian legend Jose Aldo’s 18-fight win streak lasted for 9 long years, in which ‘Junior’ seemed unbeatable. Not only did he make a name for himself in the UFC, but before that, Aldo also proved himself in the WEC. Once the promotion merged with the UFC, the King of Rio continued his dominant reign there too.
It is safe to say that Jose Aldo contributed majorly in making the featherweight division exciting for the viewers. However, his contributions did not yield the outcome he desired after he got knocked out by McGregor. Even after dominating the division for nine years, Aldo never got an immediate rematch with the Irishman.
Voicing his frustration over the same, Aldo once said, “Obviously, I’m not happy that I didn’t get a rematch. It’s disrespectful due to everything I’ve done. I’m deserving of a rematch, and it’s not just me who says that. Everyone has been coming up to me, asking when the rematch is going to happen. But I’m an employee for the UFC, and this is what they decided. What can I do?”
Despite making his feelings clear, Jose Aldo never fought Conor McGregor in a rematch. Since their first fight, both fighters went different ways and achieved success. While the Irishman currently spends time away from the octagon, Aldo recently announced his retirement from MMA. What do you think about the rivalry between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Varun Anand Bhat
(106 Articles Published)