Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor engaged in one of the most intense rivalries in the history of the UFC, but the Brazilian has now revealed that the pair have settled their differences.
A Historic Clash
Back in 2015, the pair clashed at UFC 194 after months of trading verbal jabs. Both Aldo and McGregor travelled the world together fulfilling media obligations, with their feud becoming so bitter that the Brazilian legend built up a real disdain for the 'Notorious'.
All the anger and rage ultimately cost Aldo on fight night, as he was knocked out within thirteen seconds by McGregor, suffering his first loss in ten years. In the years that followed, the two stars continued to engage in several verbal battles.
A Surprising Reconciliation
However, in a rather stunning admission, Aldo has claimed that his relationship with the former two-division UFC champion has changed for the better. “What is my relationship with Conor like now? It’s very good,” Aldo told Jackpot City Casino.
Last year, McGregor stated that he had been 'saved' by God and is now living by God's word. The Dublin scrapper described how he underwent a 36-hour psychedelic ibogaine treatment in Mexico to address trauma, during which he experienced a vision of his own death and an encounter with Jesus.
After McGregor's confession, Aldo revealed he decided to reach out to his ex-rival. “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,” Aldo continued. “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.”
McGregor's Return on the Horizon
McGregor is hoping to make a stunning return to competitive action on International Fight Week for UFC 329 on July 11, after being snubbed of a chance to fight on the White House card in June. The former two-weight world champion has not fought since he broke his leg at the end of the first round of his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier five years ago. The Irishman has not won a fight since he knocked out Donald Cerrone more than six years ago, but has always insisted he would return.
UFC boss Dana White had been coy about the prospect of McGregor fighting at UFC 329, but he has since had a change of heart. He recently stated: "It's looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it." His comments come just weeks after insisting there was no update on talks with the former champion. Asked if McGregor would fight in July, White said last month: "Possibly. Nothing is done. Nothing is even remotely close to being done."
Max Holloway appears to be the frontrunner for McGregor's comeback opponent, and when asked about the potential clash, Aldo said: “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.”
