In an episode of Embedded during the build-up for UFC 194, Jose Aldo remarked that he knew Conor McGregor's trash-talk was all about promotion of the fight; it was a necessary act that he was putting on.
And so, once the pair stood in the octagon - the Brazilian defeated, the Irishman victorious - the bravado was dropped.
Respect between the pair had become more obvious throughout the week. It was most noticeable after the face-off following Wednesday's press conference. McGregor turned to Aldo and acklowledged his opponent with a nod, the then featherweight champion did likewise. It was certainly an unexpected moment.
Minutes after the knockout, as Aldo and McGregor waited hand-in-hand with referee John McCarthy in anticipation of the official decision being announced by Bruce Buffer, the new champion spoke a few words to his defeated opponent.
On Twitter, in one of his regular Q&A sessions, John McCarthy revealed what McGregor said to Aldo.
Connor told Aldo that he was a great Champion and that if he wanted they will do it again #AskBJM https://t.co/IJIznVC8lg
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) December 13, 2015
That Aldo had been a great champion is a sentiment which McGregor reiterated during the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, in fact referring to him as a 'phenomenal champion'.
It seems unlikely that the vanquished Aldo will receive a rematch straight away.
Either a defence for McGregor against Frankie Edgar or a lightweight title shot versus the winner of Saturday's dos Anjos and Cerrone fight are currently the most probable scenarios.
