There is definite contempt from Jose Aldo towards Conor McGregor particularly after their 12-day media tour last month. Any hatred which the featherweight does feel must be mitigated by the extra publicity and accompanying financial remuneration which the Irishman's involvement brings to their July fight.
Speaking to Brazilian site Combate, Aldo's coach Andre Pederneiras alluded to this. He also said McGregor has often backed up his words.
I joked about it, but it is happening: Conor is a leprechaun bringing a pot of money to the division. I wish there were more athletes like him to get some attention. Not only in Aldo’s division, but also at Barao’s, at Demetrious Johnson’s. Athletes like McGregor bring attention. Unlike many that talk a lot, Conor proved what he says. We’re treating this fight like a big challenge for Aldo.
Pederneiras has reservations regarding McGregor's route to title contention but also believes that the Dubliner was the next logical opponent for his fighter.
If you look at his record and the way he finished his fights, (he deserves it). Maybe he hasn’t fought the guys I think he could have fought to get there. But if you look at who Aldo fought, he fought everybody he could have fought, except for McGregor. I think it’s his turn now, and it’s going to be a great fight. After this fight, numbers will grow, especially because of Conor coming to the division.
All that said, the Brazilian coach believes his charge will emerge victorious on July 11th.
An opponent talking bad things about you always motivates you to beat him up, and Conor does it perfectly. The more McGregor talks, the more he will get beat up. It’s fine by me if he talks, we think most of the things he says are funny. We’re just waiting to see how he’s going to act on fight day.
Translation via MMAFighting.com
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
