UFC News & Notes: Jose Aldo's Coach Says Conor McGregor Got Lucky, Wants Next Fight in April
After several months of hype, Jose Aldo lasted only 13 seconds with Conor McGregor at UFC 194 for his first loss in 10 years. His Nova Uniao head coach Andre Pederneiras finally gave his comments more than a week after the fight, saying that "Notorious" got lucky and Aldo wants to fight in April.
"He was so confident in the victory he thought, 'I'll throw my hand and will catch him'. It's a split-second decision. Or you attack, or you get out. He decided to attack, and the other guy threw a counter to defend. He attacked, but moving in a way to stop Aldo's attack," Pederneiras told Combate.
"Let's say it wasn't a lucky punch, he programmed that, but the way it connected on his chin when he moved forward, I think it was lucky," he added as translated by MMA Fighting.
After the fight was over, Aldo immediately wanted a rematch saying that there was never really a fight as it was only 13 seconds. His coach also said that "Scarface" wants a rematch or return match as soon as April.
"I can't see Aldo not fighting for a belt or not in an immediate rematch. It wouldn't be fair if that doesn't happen, but happen to others," Pederneiras said, referring to Ronda Rousey getting an immediate rematch against Holly Holm despite getting dominated and knocked out.
Max Holloway, who ranks fourth in the division, is one of the possible opponents for Aldo if he wants to make an Octagon return next year. Holloway has expressed his desire to fight the former champion in a recent interview with Submission Radio. According to MMA Frenzy, a possible Aldo vs. Holloway fight in UFC's first event in Hawaii is a good move for the promotion.
On the other hand, McGregor still needs to make a decision for his next fight, but his coach John Kavanagh revealed in an interview with The MMA Hour that their plan is to fight for the lightweight title in April and defend the featherweight belt in July at UFC 200. Lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos already issued a challenge against McGregor and No. 1 contender for the featherweight title, Frankie Edgar, earning a shot against the champion.
Charles Oliveira and Nate Diaz also challenged the Irishman. The reason many fighters want a fight with McGregor is because of the guaranteed huge payday that comes along with the pay-per-view buys and live gate, per MMA Junkie. The featherweight champion's next fight may be held at the 80,000-seater Croke Park in Ireland.
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