Conor McGregor is eager to face Jose Aldo for the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at UFC 194 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McGregor, who holds an impressive 18-2 record, said that he has been hearing a lot of negative things about him with less than a month before his highly anticipated showdown with Aldo. But he is not allowing his critics to affect his preparation, as he vowed to prove his doubters wrong next month.

"I'm hungry right now," McGregor told Severe MMA via MMA Fighting. "I'm prepared to kill this man, and unify the belts, and then what will they have to say? We'll see what they have to say after Jose falls. Jose is the No. 1 pound-for-pound. We'll see what they have to say after Jose crumbles inside one."

McGregor was originally scheduled to face Aldo for the title at UFC 189 in July, but the defending champion was forced to withdraw from the bout after sustaining a rib injury. Instead, McGregor faced Chad Mendes, who eventually took a second-round knockout loss in July.

McGregor said that he initially asked the promoters to look for another date because it will be too early for him to fight in December. He was also worried that Aldo might hurt his ribs again, but he quickly added that all signs are pointing to positive things heading into their showdown.

"I said to them, 'It's a little too early for Aldo.' Because his ribs and his body," McGregor added. "I just thought he's going to rush into camp again and it could hamper it and he could pull out again. But we're getting close now. All signs point that he will show up. I hope he does."

On the other hand, Aldo, the reigning UFC featherweight champion who holds a 25-1 record, declared that he is also ready to face McGregor to let their body and mind do the talking inside the Octagon. The 29-year-old added that his layoff gave him more time to prepare for his title defense against McGregor.

"The first time there was a heavier environment, but not anymore," Aldo said via Daily Mail Online. "We're more focused, and I can say I'm way better prepared than the first time. We had enough time the last time, but it's something new because he's left handed, but not anymore."