– Paul Dollery reports from Las Vegas
REIGNING UFC FEATHERWEIGHT champion Jose Aldo has laughed off the decision of the vast majority of bookmakers to install interim title-holder Conor McGregor as the favourite for their 145lbs title unification bout at UFC 194.
The pair will meet in Saturday night’s main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with the winner set to be confirmed as the division’s undisputed champion.
Aldo has lost just once in his career — over 10 years ago — and has put together a 15-0 record during his time with the WEC and the UFC.
Nevertheless, the bookies believe that McGregor will end his dominance this weekend. At the time of writing, the Irish fighter is available at 4/5 from Paddy Power, while the Brazilian is priced at evens.
“I don’t really care about that,” Aldo said at last evening’s pre-fight press conference. “I don’t even know who’s making those odds.
“If you want to win some easy money, you’ll bet on Jose Aldo and you’re going to win it. I really don’t look at the odds at all. I’ve never cared if I’m the favourite or not.”
Aldo also dismissed rumours that he’s considering retirement after Saturday’s fight: “I didn’t say any of that. I don’t know why people are commenting on that. I’m still 29. They want to retire me but I’ve got a lot ahead of me.”
