Jose Aldo Urges Conor McGregor to Return at Lightweight for Title Run
Former rival Jose Aldo has offered encouragement to Conor McGregor, advising the Irishman to return at lightweight rather than welterweight following knee surgery.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has extended unexpected advice and support to long-time rival Conor McGregor. McGregor is currently on the mend after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in the opening seconds of his July rematch against Max Holloway, a bout that ended his five-year Octagon hiatus. Following surgery in August, the Irishman is targeting a return in the summer of 2027 for the final fight of his current UFC contract.
Despite their contentious history ahead of their 2015 title fight—where McGregor knocked out Aldo in just 13 seconds to snap the Brazilian's 18-fight winning streak—Aldo harbors no lingering ill will. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Aldo expressed his best wishes for McGregor's physical and psychological recovery while urging him to avoid welterweight and instead drop back down to 155 pounds.
Aldo suggested that McGregor undergo dietary re-education to get lighter, stating that the former two-division champion naturally fits the frame of the lightweight division. The Brazilian added that a single marquee victory at 155 pounds could immediately propel McGregor back into the championship picture, noting that recent movement in the weight class—such as Ilia Topuria moving up and losing to Justin Gaethje—has left the division wide open.
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