Jose Aldo has assured reporters that his defeat to Conor McGregor last December has had no bearing on his preparation for UFC 200.
McGregor defeated Aldo in just 13 seconds to become the undisputed featherweight champion at UFC 194, but the Brazilian said that he has "buried" the loss.
"I don't even look at it. It’s part of the past," Aldo said on Tuesday. "I only think about Frankie Edgar today and winning my next fight. I don't look at things in the past, looking and suffering. It’s over, it’s in the past. I buried it, put a rock over it. I walk forward, always."
Conor McGregor beat Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194. Image: John Locher / AP/Press Association Images
Aldo is now preparing to face Edgar on 9 July and will be hoping to claim the interim featherweight title for a chance to exact his revenge on McGregor.
"They [Edgar and McGregor] are completely different," he said. "(That loss) is in the past. I look at my next opponent. I try to study and prepare the best way to fight him.
"I changed, tried to mix a bit and train like I used to before. A lot of striking and grappling... I tried to mix those things. I stopped and looked back at what brought me to the top as a champion, so I decided to do exactly that. Be more aggressive and show that I really want to win the fight."
The 29-year-old may have a personal vendetta out against McGregor, but explains that his only motivation remains regaining his belt.
"We’re fighting for a chance to get the next title shot," he said, "I wanted the immediate rematch, so this is the next step before getting my belt back.
"(I want) to get my belt back. I only think about it. I want my belt back. That’s my biggest motivation. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, Frankie or whoever. What motivates me is to win the belt."
Via MMAFighting
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
