13 SECONDS. That’s all it took.
Conor McGregor defeated Jose Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship in what had been billed as an epic night at UFC #194, ending Aldo’s six-year reign as champion.
The Irish-born superstar talked a big fight leading into the fight on Sunday and the punters were split in what was effectively an even-money battle.
Both fighters came out swinging, but it was McGregor that connected first with a hefty left hand, sending Aldo to the floor.
The Vegas crowd and fans all around the world weren’t shocked by the result, but the length of the fight was something they had predicted with Rousey vs. Holm last month. Jubilant expressions from Team McGregor were somewhat overshadowed by the horrific faces of Aldo’s support crew – and a stunned look on announcer Bruce Buffer’s face was simply priceless.
Jose Aldo held the title for exactly six years and 25 days, but when a fight lasts only 13 seconds, it sometimes doesn’t truly reflect the fighter’s skill.
“It still is too hard to digest,” Aldo said.
“We trained hard, did everything right, and the result wasn’t positive. It takes awhile for us to digest, but it’s part [of the sport]. It’s a sport and we have to accept.”
Aldo went for an early one-two attack, which did connect with McGregor, but Aldo was already seeing stars after McGregor landed a precision left hook.
“So, there wasn’t even a fight, right? Only 13 seconds,” Aldo said.
“And I also remember when I came in, how I tried to punch. But, man, it’s hard to say now if it’s [his] success or [my] mistake. It’s a quick decision, and he was able to connect a good punch when I tried a combination.”
Aldo believes he deserves a re-match and he’ll likely get one next year, but UFC president Dana White wasn’t prepared to talk about a re-match so soon.
“We spoke [with Dana White] right after, but I think it’s too soon to talk,” Aldo said.
“Of course, I want a re-match, and I think I have this right. Not only me, but my career speaks for itself.
McGregor was humble in beating Aldo with respect to his fellow fighter and he put the win down to his precision and timing as opposed to power and speed.
“No power, just precision. No speed, just timing,” McGregor said.
“That’s all it takes, especially when you have my left hand. Nothing can take that left hand.
McGregor then thanked the strong Irish crowd in attendance and mentioned a possible rise in weight for the lightweight belt.
“The Irish are making the fight game what it is today,” McGregor said.
“I think Aldo should reassess himself while I look to maybe go for the 155-pound belt or maybe I look at Frankie [Edgar], so there are options. I showed up tonight and put a stamp on the real belt, there is no doubt now.”
Sportsbet.com.au have released two separate markets involving Conor McGregor. The first is McGregor vs. Edgar where McGregor is the $1.44 favourite with Edgar at $2.75.
They have also framed a market for a possible McGregor vs. Aldo rematch. McGregor is still the favourite, but is paying $1.53 – Aldo is at $2.50.
Frankie Edgar has told fans to forget about a rematch between McGregor and Aldo as he deserves to face McGregor after easily beating Urijah Faber.
“I just beat one of the best guys that does our sport. I was able to beat him five rounds to nothing, close him out. I think I’m the next title contender,” Edgar said.
“I’m not waiting, but anything can happen. We’ll see. Maybe McGregor will win and I’ll just have to fight him right away. Who knows?”
