Jose
Aldo has offered some advice and encouragement to former rival
Conor
McGregor.
McGregor injured his knee in the opening seconds of his rematch
against Max
Holloway in July, which marked the end of a five-year Octagon
hiatus. He damaged his ACL and meniscus and underwent surgery in
August. The Irishman is targeting a return in the summer of 2027
for what would be the final bout of his
Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.
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Not only does Aldo wish McGregor the best, but he also believes the
former two-division champion can shake things up at lightweight and
potentially reclaim UFC gold.
Jose Aldo believes Conor McGregor can re-enter the UFC
lightweight title picture at 155
Aldo and McGregor shared a contentious relationship in the lead-up
to their 2015 title bout, which McGregor won by knockout in just 13
seconds, ending Aldo’s 18-fight, nearly decade-long winning streak.
McGregor frequently mocked and belittled Aldo as part of his
pre-fight psychological warfare.
Nevertheless, Aldo no longer holds any ill will toward McGregor and
wants him to return to the win column. He believes his former foe
should consider returning to lightweight rather than competing at
welterweight when he comes back.
“I always hope for the best, so I hope that tomorrow he’s doing
well physically and psychologically, too, and that he can return to
the UFC and have great fights again,” Aldo told MMA Fighting. “I think first he needs to go
through some dietary re-education to see if he can get back down
and be lighter again. I think, in my opinion, he has the frame for
155, so it would be good.”
The Brazilian also believes McGregor could quickly work his way
into title contention with a significant victory.
“And I’ll tell you this… Today, if Conor fights at 155 and beats a
name, the division is wide open again,” Aldo added. “To me, the
division has kind of stalled there. Ilia [Topuria] moved up and
lost to [Justin] Gaethje, so it’s a bit of a mess there and anyone
can come in and snatch the title.”