If you haven't watched the first episode of the UFC's Embedded video blog for Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor's world media tour, then you really should, the animosity between them is palpable.
The Dubliner's verbal hostility is definitely getting to the Brazilian. After coming off stage following Friday's Q&A with media and fans in Rio de Janeiro, Aldo admitted:
I am really mad. I can’t wait to go right through him.
It was certainly a departure from the usual zen-like demeanour of the featherweight title holder. Aldo's coach has also had words with Dana White regarding the Irishman's behaviour. Andre Pederneiras told White to ensure that McGregor does not touch his fighter during their eight city tour.
Andre Pederneiras told me – he’s not joking, he’s dead serious – that I better make sure that Conor McGregor does not touch Jose Aldo once during this entire tour.
The level of disrespect that’s coming out of (McGregor’s) mouth will not be followed by the level of disrespect by him being touched.
Speaking to Fox Sports, the UFC president relayed his awareness regarding the need to be on guard.
I better sleep, eat my Wheaties and be ready on this trip to keep these two from touching each other, which I’m very conscious of. It’s going to fun. It’s going to be interesting, and I can’t wait for that fight. It’s going to be the biggest featherweight fight ever.
During a media event in Las Vegas today, Aldo sent out a warning to McGregor.
"He talks a lot but it's okay because I don't understand what he's saying. But if he touches me, something is going to happen."
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) March 23, 2015
Ahead of the champion's title defence against Chad Mendes at UFC 179 back in October, he was kind enough to give an example of the type of antagonistic physical behaviour which McGregor should not engage in.
