Jose Aldo Reflects on Conor McGregor Rivalry, UFC 194 “Destiny” & Comeback TalkJose Aldo: It was Conor McGregor’s destiny to win at UFC 194

UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo gave us key insights into his rivalry with Conor McGregor in the lead up to their battle at UFC 194 in 2015.

Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, Aldo said that despite the heated rivalry, both he and McGregor have a great relationship now and it was ‘The Notorious One’s’  destiny to win the featherweight title at UFC 194. 

Amidst the ongoing rumours with McGregor’s return – with the likely opponent being Max Holloway, Aldo also showed full support to his former foe ahead of his comeback.

Jose Aldo: It was Conor McGregor’s destiny to win at UFC 194, We have great relationship now despite huge rivalry and Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2 is a great comeback for Conor

It was Conor’s destiny to win that fight at UFC 194

How do I think my career would have been different if I had beaten Conor McGregor in that title fight? I think for the fans it would’ve been huge, a great fight, a big win. But I believe in destiny.

It wasn’t my mistake, it was Conor’s merit. He landed a great shot and won. After that, he moved up. I understand now, he struggled to make weight. He gained weight and never returned to featherweight because he wasn’t a natural fit for that division.

So I think things happened as they were meant to. I did my job, I fought, I won what I had to win, and I carried on. I’ve never been someone to dwell on losses. Once you spill a glass of milk, you can’t undo it, you clean it up and move on.

That’s how my career went. I asked for a rematch, then I fought for the title again, won it, and kept going.

I have a great relationship with McGregor now despite our rivalry

What is my relationship with Conor like now? It’s very good. Not just with Conor, but with all my opponents, I’ve always had respect and a certain fondness for everyone.

We exchange messages now and then. Recently I told him I was very happy he accepted Jesus as his saviour. I congratulated him and all that.

Brazilian fans feel strongly because of how our fight went and everything that happened. But 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.

Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2 is a great comeback for Conor

When a fighter becomes a global star, they start doing films. But they still need to stay in the Ultimate, otherwise they fade away.

The more people talk about him, the better. But at the same time, there comes a point where people stop believing it.

So he needs to fight. I believe at some point he has to come back, it doesn’t matter who against, but he needs to be in there fighting again to reignite that spark.

If he doesn’t fight for two more years after that, fine. But to remain a star, either he becomes just a marketing figure or he fights again.

If it happened now, I think it would be a great fight for both Conor and Holloway. Both are stand-up fighters, similar in age, it’s a great matchup and a great comeback opportunity for Conor.

Conor McGregor’s marketing and fight ability made him a megastar

What do I think made McGregor so special at his peak? I’d say two things. First, his fighting style, he’s obviously a great fighter, aggressive, strong striking.

Second, what he does outside the octagon, his marketing, his ability to read opponents, to get into their heads. He knows exactly what he’s doing.

When you combine those two factors, you get a star like him. If he has that name and recognition, it’s because he earned it.

It’s his style and his ability to sell himself like no one else. He knows how to talk, how to act, and he carries that into the fight, whether it works or not.

Win or lose, he already knows how he’s going to behave. He’s very different from everyone else, he’s got the right mindset and brilliant marketing. It’s the perfect combination.