Despite their storied rivalry that dates back all the way to 2015, Jose Aldo is still wishing Conor McGregor the best as “Notorious” steps away from the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).
McGregor, who is currently facing legal issues in Miami and Ireland, unexpectedly retired from MMA earlier this week. Remember, the 30-year-old had previously announced his retirement back in 2016 only to fight four months later. This time seems a little more real.
Should McGregor actually walk away from UFC for good and leave behind a career that many think is unfinished, Aldo believes that “Notorious” should be remembered for taking the sport to the next level.
Here is what Aldo had to say about McGregor’s retirement and legacy during a recent interview with Portal do Vale Tudo:
“What he did for the sport and what he won. If I fight Floyd Mayweather and make 80 million dollars, the UFC would never see me again too. Do you really think I would train multiple martial arts three times a day? He had a brilliant career, he was a great fighter and if he really is retiring, I congratulate him for all he did in the sport.”
Pretty nice words from the Brazilian considering McGregor knocked him out in 13 seconds 12 seconds back at UFC 194.
Like Aldo said, McGregor has a boat load of cash to lean back on should he never step foot inside of the Octagon again. Not only did “Notorious” bank a $100 million payday for his boxing superfight with Floyd “Money” Mayweather back in 2017, but the Irishman is currently making a killing with his Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey sales.
Aldo, who is scheduled to fight Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 237 this May, was hoping to land a long-awaited rematch with McGregor, but it looks like the former UFC champion will have to live with his lone encounter with Mystic Mac.