Jose Aldo News: Coach Says Aldo Became 'Overconfident', Eyes Return In April 2016
Former UFC undisputed featherweight champion José Aldo may have veered away from the game plan on fight night at UFC 194, says his coach Andre Pederneiras.
Newly minted champion Conor McGregor knocked out Aldo using a single left straight to the jaw, ending the fight within 13 seconds of action. It also marks the fastest finish in UFC title fight history.
In a report by MMA Fighting, Pederneiras claimed his fighter may have been "overconfident" during the fight, and immediately dispelled rumors that Aldo was nervous or anxious. He also explained how he thought the fight ended and how Aldo was knocked out in a flash.
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"He decided to attack, and the other guy threw a counter to defend," Pederneiras explained in the report. "He attacked, but moving in a way to stop (Aldo's) attack." McGregor hit Aldo with a clean shot as the Brazilian was coming in with a basic one-two combination.
"The Notorious" simply stepped back to throw the punch, albeit being hit by an Aldo left hand. But for "Dede," it was simply a stroke of luck on the side of the Irishman.
"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 said.
Right after his victory, McGregor announced his intent to move up to the lightweight division and fight for the 155-pound strap. This caused some disappointment on the part of former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, who was promised the next featherweight title shot after his own victory at the Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale the day before UFC 194 by none other than UFC president Dana White.
Pederneiras revealed that Aldo is eyeing a return in April, whether it is an immediate rematch against McGregor or otherwise.
But if he does face McGregor again, the Team Nova União trainer says the next best option would be to bring the fight to the ground.
"In this fight [at UFC 194], he was confident both standing and on the ground, he'll be fine," Pederneiras said.
