Peace reigns after a 13 seconds of war.
Conor McGregor’s victory over Jose Aldo was seven years in the making and, as a UFC main event, spanned most of 2015.
The Dubliner spent most of the previous 12 months getting in the Brazilian’s face, and mind, but their frosty relationship thawed in the past week.
Following the final UFC 194 press conference, on Wednesday night, McGregor made a respectful bow to Aldo, which was duly returned.
The animosity seemed to return at the weigh-ins. McGregor appeared so keyed up, by Aldo and his fans, that he dipped to underdog on the Las Vegas betting markets.
McGregor emphatically answered any lingering questions about his championship class with a crunching knock-out in the first round.
Post-fight, The Notorious was the very definition of respect.
He sought out the defeated, stunned Aldo for a hug. He then spoke well of him in his chat with Joe Rogan. He commented:
He’s powerful and he’s fast but precision beats power and timing beats speed. Honestly, I feel for Jose. He was a phenomenal champion. We deserved to go a little bit longer.
Before his hand was raised, McGregor shared a few more words with Aldo.
Finally, when Aldo was finished with his interview with Rogan, McGregor led the applause for him as he left the octagon.
It was great to see all animosity put to one side.
