UFC superstar Conor McGregor has made many enemies during his fights, but only one expressed support for him after the fight.
The charismatic Irishman and Jose Aldo shared an epic rivalry which came to a head at UFC 196 in December 2015 and since then they have formed something of a friendship.
“Scarface” has been the face of the featherweight division for years. First with the WEC then with the UFC after their takeover.
The Brazilian knockout artist holds a litany of big wins over Urijah Faber, Cub Swanson, Kenny Florian, Korean Zombie, Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes – the list could go on.
In 2013, McGregor burst onto the scene after winning two belts in Cage Warriors and being signed to the UFC on a mission to dethrone the longtime 145-pound king.
“Notorious” went through Max Holloway, Dennis Siver and Dustin Poirier while becoming one of the biggest stars the sport has ever seen and earning himself a shot at winning UFC gold in 2015.
Deprived of challengers at this point, Aldo would have been delighted to see McGregor arrive, but his happiness quickly turned into a nightmare when the UFC decided to take the pair on a world tour ahead of their ill-fated UFC fight. 189.
“I own Rio de Janeiro,” McGregor said during his first press conference with Aldo in Brazil before the pair traveled to Ireland to face off in front of the challenger’s compatriots.
Chaos ensued after the Brazilian called himself ‘King of Dublin’ in front of a raucous crowd and McGregor responded by insisting he was King of Dublin before stepping foot on the desk.
Aldo then impersonated his rival and before he knew it, “Mystic Mac” had snatched the UFC title his opponent had brought with him and placed it proudly in front of him.
McGregor victoriously held the belt aloft for several seconds as nearly everyone in attendance cheered him on. Aldo tried and failed to immediately reclaim his belt as Dana White stepped in to keep things from getting more out of control.
The fight ultimately fell through when Aldo suffered a rib injury, forcing McGregor to take an interim title fight against top contender Chad Mendes.
After surviving a few tough early moments, the MMA superstar knocked out Mendes in the second round to set up a unification bout with Aldo which took place later that year at UFC 194.
When fight night rolled around, Aldo looked nervous, and that was highlighted by UFC commentator Joe Rogan moments before he was brutally knocked unconscious by the first punch McGregor landed.
Almost immediately after the fight ended, McGregor began to show his rival respect after months of mental warfare as he seemingly promised Aldo a rematch while he waited for the official result to be read.
After that McGregor never fought at featherweight again and while he was away for big fights with Nate Diaz and Eddie Alvarez an interim belt was created.
Of course, Aldo was in the front row to try his luck and he beat Frankie Edgar to become champion again, which McGregor was apparently thrilled to see.
“When I fought Frankie Edgar and won the title again, (McGregor and I) were in the same hotel, side by side. He saw me, and even sent a gift congratulating me on the belt I had just to win, Aldo revealed in 2021.
“It was intimate, brother. He knows it, he sent it to my room. I don’t see any problem with that. It was a way of trying to show love for me and my family. It was really intimate. It was good, it was good. I don’t know what his intentions were, do I? But it was nice. »
Since their fight, the 34-year-old has become a fan of Aldo and enjoys watching his former opponent continue his legacy at bantamweight, where he won three straight.
“Good to see Aldo got a good win the other week; very happy to see that,” McGregor said after Aldo defeated Pedro Munhoz at UFC 265 in August 2021.
“Oh, man, I tell you what – What a warrior! What a warrior this man! It was an honor to share the octagon. I wish he would do it again, you know. He deserved better, I thought. But, you know, a lot of respect for Jose Aldo.
McGregor is currently healing after fracturing his tibia and fibula at UFC 264 in July 2021. He is expected to return to action later this year or in the first quarter of 2021. and when he does, a third title is the goal.
Few think McGregor will be able to return to his best form after such a horrific injury, but the man he dispatched quickly in 2015 won’t pass it up.
“I think he can [get back to fighting at a high level]. I never doubt champions, the spirit and the will of champions,” Aldo said the day after UFC 264.
“He dominated before and was the lightweight and featherweight champion. Everything depends on him. If he wants to come back to a high level, he can do it.
“If he wants to come back, he will have to work hard, give up some things to get there, dedicate himself and get back to winning ways.”
While they may never be best friends, it’s good to see that after sharing such an intense rivalry and historic fight, two of MMA’s biggest stars have gone on to become the biggest cheerleaders ever. each other as they set new goals.