Jose Aldo (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Jose Aldo may have emerged from UFC 179 with a bruised and battered face, but the renowned fighter also took home the featherweight belt he’s held since 2009.

Challenger Chad Mendes managed to stun Aldo on a couple of occasions, but the renowned fighter consistently returned fire and outscored the perennial contender.

Immediately following his unanimous decision win, here is some of what Aldo had to say in his post-fight interview (quotes via UFC.com):

“I think I deserved to win,” Aldo said. “He hit me a few times but I hit him a lot more. All I can do is congratulate Chad Mendes. I really respect him and his team and all his family. Inside here it’s a rivalry, but outside we’re friends.”

“I’ll face anyone they put in front of me,” Aldo said, before referring to Conor McGregor. “I’m here as a champion, and I think the court is complete now. I’m the king, Chad’s the prince, and now we have a joker.”

During the post-fight press conference, Aldo confirmed he was talking about McGregor, who will battle Dennis Siver on January 18th. If McGregor wins, he’ll likely be tapped to fight Aldo.