Jose Aldo made some pretty big statements when taking part in a media scrum in Brazil recently.
Aldo spoke about his decision to turn down the short notice offer he received to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 196 when Rafael dos Anjos pulled out. According to Aldo, he turned the fight down because it was offered on short notice and was going to be a non-title fight at 155 pounds.
Additionally, Aldo made a pretty big claim regarding Conor McGregor and performance-enhancing drugs.
“The fight was not at featherweight. Why would I rematch him in a different weight class with no belt? Now, to make this fight at 155, where he was full of juice in his body, where he hides and nobody tests him, only when he gets to Las Vegas, a week before the fight, and then it’s way easier for you to clean the body and fight. They offered the fight knowing that I wasn’t trained at all. I can’t say anything. I can train, beat Frankie Edgar and then know that I’ve earned my fight for the title again.”
Also continued, explaining how frustrating it was not to be able to get a hold of Dana White or the UFC when first looking to secure a rematch with McGregor after their fight at UFC 194.
“We called and texted him every day (asking for the rematch) and nothing. There was no talk for a month. I waited for a call from Dana (White) for three weeks, and when he texted ‘Dede’ (Pederneiras) I was doing a charity soccer match in Manaus, and he talked about replacing Rafael. He knew I wasn’t training because I was coming back from (medical) suspension. They already had in mind who to put against Conor. That’s the path they try to follow, and it’s kind of dirty to me. There’s no negotiation. We ask, and not always we get a response. When they respond is like that, and then they say they love us. It’s a bit weird. But what can I do?”
The former UFC 145 pound champion also spoke about his belief that UFC is showing favortism to Conor McGregor because he makes the company a lot of money.
“If I think so? I’m sure. Not only in this situation, but it’s like that since he showed up. Like I said, it involves money, but you have to respect the other side because you can’t make money alone. They treat him differently, doing this rematch that means sh*t. Nate said he wanted rematches with fighters he lost before, and never got one. This rematch means nothing. I think it’s weird, but what can I do? They make the call.”
As far as the future is concerned, Aldo is convinced that McGregor will have no choice but to return to featherweight, as he won’t be able to achieve real success in either the welterweight or lightweight divisions.
“He will come back. I don’t know if right after this fight, but he will. I don’t see how he gets too far even at lightweight. He won’t do well at lightweight either.”
Finally, Aldo gave his prediction on who he feels will win the McGregor-Diaz II fight at UFC 200. It should come as no surprise that the Brazilian doesn’t like McGregor’s chances in July.
“Nate wins again. He’s used to this weight. It’s really hard to move up in weight and continue winning. It’s going to be different now that Nate will be more prepared. He can do his thing, anything he wants, from start to end. He can slap him, anything, because he will win. It can be faster this time. Nate will prepare, will have enough time, and it can be faster this time.”
H/T to MMAFighting.com for transcribing.