It was originally scheduled Aldo to defend featherweight title against MacGregor again in July before he suffered a rib injury. His long absence, which extends all the way to October last year, allowed the Irish to become temporarily outspoken champion by defeating Chad Mendes.
McGregor likes to talk. He's one of the top seller in the battle of all martial arts, and it allowed them to tie him to become senior relatively quickly since his arrival to the UFC. It certainly has not changed his approach despite the nature of a high-level meeting with Aldo.
There are subtle shine to those statements. Not only he is the talking himself, but also sow the seeds of doubt in the mind Aldo that may force him to try things outside his comfort zone in an attempt to surprise the interim champion.
Where: MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas
In the following cases: Saturday, December 12, at 18:30 ET (key card 10:00 ET)
Show: Fox Sports 1 (prelims) and pay-per-view (main card)
McGregor never faced someone with Brazilian all-around ability, though. Aldo has a set of wide-ranging skills and this is what allowed him to control the game regardless of the approach his opponent, and that is why he is still the defending champion for a long time.