Jose Aldo
As soon as the main event of UFC 194 was over, with that one-punch KO that earned Conor McGregor the undisputed featherweight title, the debate over a rematch between the new champion and Jose Aldo took over the internet.
Mainly from Aldo’s Brazilian fans, the rematch argument is that a 13s-fight is not enough to put a definitive end to a 10-year undefeated streak and a 5-year reign as the champion.
Aldo’s first words after loss, still in the octagon, were to ask for it: “I want a rematch to regain what is mine.”
Nevertheless, the first signs from the UFC point to Aldo’s request not being the direction they want to go.
Joe Rogan said in the closing comments of last Saturday’s broadcast that he “does not see a clear reason for an immediate rematch”.
Dana White, in a interview with Fox Sports, said: “If McGregor wants to go up to 155, I’ll give him a title fight against the winner of Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone.”
The UFC boss made the announcement after mentioning that McGregor’s head coach told him that the Irish fighter may never make it to 145lb again.
On the other hand, Conor himself said it’d be sweet to fight Frankie Edgar in his first title defense in front of 80,000 fans at Croke Park, in Ireland.
So, it seems the UFC and McGregor are ready to move on and let Aldo work his way up to a possible future title shot.
Those who advocate for the rematch say there are huge precedents to Aldo’s case.
Former light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones joined the chorus when he tweeted on Dec. 13: “If Rousey is granted an immediate rematch I would expect the same treatment for Aldo. It only seems right.”
Ronda Rousey’s immediate rematch against Holly Holm after being outclassed on Nov.15 is one example.
Cain Velasquez getting his second rematch is the other one. The former heavyweight champion regained his belt lost to Junior dos Santos after only one fight against Antonio Big Foot and now is getting ready to try to win it again in a rematch against Fabricio Werdum.
This Monday, Brazilian TV Combate released a video interview with Aldo, where he once again makes his case for a rematch: “off course I want a rematch! I think I have that right. My career talks for itself.”
So what do you think? Should Aldo get an immediate rematch?
