Aldo sends McGregor stunning message at UFC 200

Jose Aldo has long been one of the best offensive fighters in mixed martial arts. But on Sunday, he won the interim UFC featherweight title with a near-perfect defense.

Aldo put on a clinic in his bout against ex-lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, popping Edgar with his jab, making Edgar miss, denying his takedowns and mixing in an occasional right hand or kick.

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Judges had it 49-46 twice and 48-47 for Aldo, who will fight regular champion Conor McGregor later in the year. McGregor has a rematch at welterweight upcoming at UFC 202 on Aug 20 against Nate Diaz.

When he's healthy after that fight, he'll rematch Aldo, whom he defeated in 13 seconds at UFC 194 in December in a stunning result.

Aldo acknowledged McGregor, who was seated cageside.

"The next time I come here, I will beat him," Aldo said. "I promise you, I will beat him."

Aldo repeatedly expressed his gratitude for coach Andre Pederneiras, who came up with a masterful game plan that took away much of Edgar's offense.

"My coach, I love my coach," Aldo said.

In the first round, Edgar was the aggressor and Aldo seemed content to gauge the distance and Edgar's speed.

Edgar seemed to be in control of the first when Aldo landed a sharp right hand that stung the ex-lightweight champion. Otherwise, though, it was a quiet first for the Brazilian.

But Aldo mixed up his attack nicely. He opened a cut by Edgar’s right eye and swelled his left eye nearly closed. He was in and out, ducked under shots and was generally never where Edgar thought he'd be.

Edgar couldn't get him down despite repeated attempts and clearly looked frustrated as the fight wound down.

In the co-main event, Brock Lesnar returned with a bang, picking up a unanimous decision victory over Mark Hunt.