antagonizing Aldo at every turn, and the normally unflappable Aldo was visibly annoyed. At this point in his career Aldo had never lost a Featherweight fight, and with seven title defenses was the only man to ever hold the UFC Featherweight title. Yet still, something felt different in 2015 with McGregor cast as Aldo’s antagonizing opponent. Aldo pulled out of the originally scheduled July date, and when the fighters met in December of the same year, all of the hype was behind McGregor rather than the reigning defending champion. Before the opening bell rang, commentator Joe Rogan noted that Aldo’s body looked physically deflated.

After losing in such brutal fashion, fans might have wondered if Rogan was right about Aldo being deflated (despite the fact that he actually lookedwrestlers who are eager to close the distance to pursue takedowns, would struggle against such fighters.

Featherweight champion Max Holloway has recent back-to-back wins against Aldo, so it is exceedingly unlikely that Aldo gets another crack at Holloway. But Aldo has reestablished himself at the front of the line should Holloway lose the belt. Since Holloway has struggled to make it to the cage this year and has pulled out of both of his scheduled title defenses, rumors are swirling that Holloway may have to vacate his title and move up to Lightweight. If so, Aldo would now be man to match against Brian Ortega, the undefeated phenom who was most recently scheduled to challenge Holloway. Even if Holloway remains in the division, Aldo would be a sort of