UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is headed to what may perhaps be the highest-profile fight he has been in this weekend when he finally faces Conor McGregor for UFC 194 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The two protagonists were originally set to take on each other last July for UFC 189 but the Brazilian champion had to pull out after suffering a bruised rib.
McGregor eventually faced last-minute replacement Chad Mendes, which he beat via TKO to snag the interim featherweight title, as reported through ESPN.
Thus, their meeting this Saturday will be one for the books, a match to determine who truly is the best in the division, plus all the mental and psyche job the two have been into.
While the psychological attacks are nothing new, such has added that “color” which has made their meeting all the more interesting.
McGregor has made a living yapping and hurling insults and sweet nothings at Aldo while the champ has shown that he is not about to back down from the Notorious’ tirades.
While both are confident they can come out on top, a rematch could likely happen though McGregor did say that a lot of that would depend on how the match goes, as The Notorious mentioned via the Daily Mail.
“If he can come and bring a war and we can do this for five rounds, then maybe I will consider a rematch, but I feel he won't get off the stool and answer that bell for the second round,” says McGregor.
That came out days before but a new twist could hinder a rematch from happening.
Aldo’s teammate Andy Souwer hints that the Brazilian may consider retirement after UFC 194, win or lose. Such came out when he was asked if this would be Aldo’s last fight.
“To be honest, yeah I think. Yeah, I think so,” says Souwer. The full interview can be viewed here.
At only 29, considering retirement seems to be a surprise from Aldo but considering the things that he has done for the UFC and the time that he has been on the top, retiring after UFC 194 does in a way make sense.
However, all that seems easier said than done, especially against McGregor who is bound to go on a yapping spree if he wins over Aldo.
The same scenario will also appear if McGregor loses, with the Irishman (and maybe even the UFC) demanding a rematch between the two fighters.