Jose Aldo Urges Conor McGregor to Return at Lightweight

Jose Aldo believes Conor McGregor should drop back down to lightweight instead of fighting at welterweight whenever he returns to the UFC, arguing the 155-pound division is wide open enough for McGregor to make an immediate run at the title.

McGregor has not fought since suffering a knee injury seconds into his July rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 329, ending the bout almost as soon as it began after McGregor attempted a jumping kick. He underwent knee surgery in August and said afterward that he felt confident about his recovery, though no timeline for a return has been set.

Why Aldo Thinks 155 Pounds Makes Sense for McGregor

Aldo's case for McGregor returning at lightweight centers on the state of the division at the top. Aldo pointed to Ilia Topuria's move up to lightweight and subsequent loss to Justin Gaethje as evidence the weight class has no clear frontrunner right now, saying the division has "kind of stalled" and that "anyone can come in and snatch the title." He added that if McGregor fights at 155 pounds and beats a solid name, even one outside the top contenders, it could reopen the entire picture at the top of the division.

But Aldo was clear that path requires real sacrifice on McGregor's part. He said McGregor would need to go through dietary changes to get back down to fighting weight, calling it something he has the frame to do but not something that happens without discipline. That view stands in contrast to comments from McGregor's coach John Kavanagh before the Holloway rematch, when Kavanagh said 170 pounds had become a comfortable cut for McGregor given how much bigger his frame has gotten, and that only something significant would justify cutting an extra 15 pounds again.

What This Means for McGregor's Next Fight and the Betting Markets

McGregor has not fought at lightweight since 2020, and his last fight at featherweight was the 2015 knockout of Aldo that made him undisputed champion. Every step up in weight since then, from Nate Diaz rematches to his lightweight title win to last summer's clash with Holloway, has come with questions about which version of McGregor shows up after long layoffs. That uncertainty is exactly why oddsmakers have historically installed McGregor as an underdog in comeback fights regardless of opponent, and another injury layoff on top of the five years he already missed before UFC 329 only adds to that skepticism. Until McGregor is medically cleared and a fight is actually booked, there is no line to speak of, but expect books to price in significant ring rust and the added risk of a weight cut if he does commit to 155 pounds.

Aldo, who fought both McGregor and Holloway in featherweight title fights, said the injury was hard to watch unfold in real time given how much anticipation had built around the Holloway rematch. He said it was "sad" watching the fight collapse in the opening seconds after fans and the promotion had waited so long for McGregor's comeback. Aldo said he was unsure whether McGregor will return at a high level given how much time he has now missed, but said he hopes to see him healthy and competitive again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Conor McGregor get injured at UFC 329?

Conor McGregor suffered a knee injury seconds into his July rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 329 after attempting a jumping kick, cutting the fight short.

What weight class does Jose Aldo think Conor McGregor should fight at next?

Jose Aldo says Conor McGregor should return at lightweight (155 pounds) rather than welterweight, arguing the division is unsettled enough for McGregor to make a run at the title.

Has Conor McGregor recovered from his knee surgery?

Conor McGregor underwent knee surgery in August after his UFC 329 injury and said he felt confident in his recovery, though no return date has been announced.