UFC big wigs told Jose Aldo that Conor McGregor wouldn’t defend his 145lb belt after UFC 194, according to the former featherweight champion.
Speaking at the launch of his new burger business in Rio, Aldo revealed UFC president Dana White and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta met with him immediately after his 13-second knockout loss to the Notorious at UFC 194.
Scarface claims the duo informed him he would be getting the next title shot at 145lbs because McGregor was no longer able to make weight to defend the strap.
“The conversation happened right after the fight. Dana and Lorenzo went to our locker room and said the next fight would be with Frankie Edgar for title because Conor wouldn’t make the weight anymore.”
“That was the idea when the fight was over, but if someone asks me what I want, it is the rematch of course. I don’t see another fight for me besides a title fight or a rematch.”
However, since then the UFC have made it clear they would like McGregor to defend the belt even if he wins the lightweight title against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 197. Aldo believes this supposed change of plan is all down to one thing.
“Everything is about money. If not for that, it wouldn’t have come to this.”
Aldo explained he too wanted to become a dual champion, but the UFC told him he would have to vacate his featherweight belt to do so. He puts the UFC making an exception for McGregor down to the Notorious’ drawing power.
“If you look back, I asked to do the exact same thing years ago and they said no. I always asked to fight for the lightweight title, and they said I would have to abandon my belt and fight without it. If I lost or won, they would give me an immediate fight for the belt. Today I’m seeing it’s not like they were saying.”
