DESPITE RELINQUISHING HIS UFC featherweight world title following a 13-second KO loss to Conor McGregor last weekend, Jose Aldo appeared to be in good spirits as he returned home to Rio de Janeiro yesterday.
Aldo, who suffered his first defeat in 10 years at the hands of the Irishman at UFC 194 in Las Vegas, was greeted by around 50 supporters at the airport, and he insisted that he’s determined to regain the 145lbs belt as soon as possible.
“What I’ve done in 10 years won’t be erased in 13 seconds,” Aldo told Combate. “We win, lose, but learn in the defeat. We will be champion again soon. The next fight can be a rematch, so let’s stay focused.”
The 29-year-old Brazilian wants a shot at redemption against McGregor, but if the new champion moves up to the 155lbs division, Aldo believes the featherweight title should be vacated and that he should face number one Frankie Edgar — who he defeated in 2013 — for the strap.
Aldo: “I don’t know if it’s an immediate rematch or not. We’re talking. Conor wants to move up, he can’t make the weight anymore. Maybe he fights [at lightweight]. The next fight can be a title fight with Frankie Edgar.”
