Conor McGregor gets unexpected UFC title backing from Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo has offered unexpected encouragement and strategic advice to former rival Conor McGregor as the Irishman plots his return from a severe knee injury. McGregor damaged his ACL and meniscus in the opening seconds of his July rematch against Max Holloway, ending a five-year layoff from the Octagon. After undergoing surgery in August, he is targeting a summer 2027 comeback for what would be the final fight of his UFC contract. Aldo, whom McGregor knocked out in 13 seconds at featherweight in 2015 to end an 18-fight winning streak, now harbors no ill will. The Brazilian believes McGregor should return at lightweight (155 pounds) rather than welterweight and has outlined a potential path to the title. "If Conor fights at 155 and beats a name, the division is wide open again," Aldo told MMA Fighting, noting that champion Ilia Topuria's recent loss to Justin Gaethje at lightweight has created a vacuum. Aldo suggested McGregor will need dietary adjustments to return to that weight class but sees a realistic opportunity for the former two-division champion to compete for gold upon his return.