Jose Aldo Defends Conor McGregor Over Bellator Cage-Jumping Incident

Jose Aldo has come to his longtime rival Conor McGregor’s defense over the latter’s cage-entering incident at Bellator 187. Also spoke with reporters on Monday (per MMA Fighting) and said that he won’t slam McGregor for what he called a “normal” action. McGregor climbed the fence and entered the cage to celebrate with Charlie Ward after Ward fought John Redmond, then got into an altercation with referee Marc Goddard when he tried to separate them.

“I haven’t seen the video, but I heard about it,” Aldo said. “I think it’s normal. He’s an emotional guy, and when an Irishman is fighting the Irish people embrace them a lot. I don’t condemn him. He didn’t do that for attention, he’s done that before. When we did The Ultimate Fighter, an athlete from his team won and he went up there and in there, he even tore his pants. He’s really emotional, and I don’t condemn him for what he’s done.”

Aldo noted that he’s done the same thing before and said, “How many times have I invaded the Shooto (cage) when someone close to me is fighting? I really go there. The referee talks to me, but I still do it. I think it’s the heat of the moment, but there are bigger things than just the rules.”