If I get the fight next with him I’m going to still be the champion.
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The next three rounds were more of the same, with Edgar stalking but never really putting Aldo in danger.
“I think this fight is for the next champion, Conor McGregor or not”, Aldo said. “You can bet the next time I come in here I’m going to beat him”, he said. During his post-fight interview, Aldo also turned his attention to McGregor. The Irishman, who faces Nate Diaz at UFC 202 on August 20, did his utmost to unsettle both fighters and particularly Aldo who he beat last December with a knockout coming in just 13 seconds. McGregor would have to defend his featherweight title against Aldo next, or likely vacate the belt.
Aldo will take on title holder Conor McGregor later this year.
There have been no questions in the five fights since then.
The two previously fought at UFC 156 in February 2013 with Aldo winning by unanimous decision.
Elsewhere, Daniel Cormier was bizarrely booed by those inside the T-Mobile Arena after he scored a one-sided win over Anderson Silva. History repeated itself, as final scores of that fight read identical to what judges rendered on Saturday.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan described Aldo as “rejuvenated”, and the 29-year-old certainly looked impressive, particularly in the latter stages of the bout as his gas tank refused to give out as it appears to have done in the past. Aldo cut the Toms River East graduate over his right eye but Edgar pushed harder even as Aldo avoided repeated takedown attempts. In the third, Edgar’s face started to show swelling.
While “The Answer” was clearly the more active fighter, Aldo stayed on the backfoot and timed his counters to perfection, bloodying Edgar’s nose and controlling the fight.
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Opposite Edgar, the Brazilian displayed all the traits that made him the most feared man at 145 lbs – pinpoint accuracy, faultless takedown defence and a striking armoury that enabled him to bust up the facial structures of all who he met.
