Jose Aldo didn't get the chance to put conscious hands on Conor McGregor after months and months of build up.
That's because "Notorious" decided to make quick work of the Brazilian bomber, knocking him out in a mere 13 seconds last weekend (Sat., Dec. 12, 2015) in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event of UFC 194, which took place inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, to become the undisputed Featherweight champion.
It's a terrible way to lose, especially considering that Aldo hadn't tasted defeat in more than one decade, defending his 145- pound strap nine times in the process.
In his first interview following the loss, a heart broken Aldo tells Combate that trying to digest the defeat is a tough thing to do.
"It is still is too hard to digest," said Aldo via MMA Fighting. "We trained hard, did everything right, and the result wasn't positive. It takes a while for us to digest, but it's part (of the sport). It's a sport and we have to accept."
After watching the fight, Aldo still can't pinpoint his exact mistake.
"So, there wasn't even a fight, right? Only 13 seconds," he said. "And I also remember when I came in, how I tried to punch. But, man, it's hard to say know if it's (his) success or (my) mistake. It's a quick decision, and he was able to connect a good punch when I tried a combination."
Though he had a conversation with UFC President Dana White after the loss, the pair didn't talk about what's next. If it were up to the Brazilian, he'd like an immediate rematch against McGregor.
"We spoke (with Dana White) right after. But, I think it's too soon to talk," he said. "Of course, I want a rematch, and I think I have this right. Not only me, but my career speaks for itself."
Despite the setback, Aldo's confidence hasn't wavered, as he is determined to put on a better showing the next time around.
"It wasn't this time, but we will come out victorious, for sure," he added. "It's a sport, we have to accept. Not only from wins you live your life. That makes us stronger. Way stronger. You can be sure that we will come back stronger, more champion than I was before."
Should Aldo get his wish, Frankie Edgar will be left out in the cold, as "The Answer" punched his ticket for a title fight against McGregor.
And as we've seen in the past, Dana White and Co. do have the habit of breaking championship promises.