Jose Aldo believes McGregor will return to the lightweight division! “He has what it takes for 155 pounds”

Jose Aldo disagrees with the view that Conor McGregor is no longer able to return to the lightweight division. According to the UFC legend, “Notorious” still has the physical attributes to drop back down to 155 pounds—provided he takes the right approach to his diet and training.

McGregor hasn’t fought in the lightweight division since 2021, when he suffered fractures to his tibia and fibula in his third bout against Dustin Poirier. His recent, brief return to the Octagon against Max Holloway took place in the welterweight division and also ended in injury.

Many fans believe that McGregor’s days at the 155-pound weight class are gone for good. Jose Aldo, however, has a different opinion.

Aldo: McGregor could still shake things up in the lightweight division

In an interview with Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting, the UFC Hall of Famer admitted that the Irishman could still move down to the lightweight division if he plans the entire process properly.

“Yes, I think, first and foremost, he needs to get his diet in order and see if he can lose weight again and get back to the lightweight division. In my opinion, he has the physical attributes to fight at 155 pounds, so that would be a good solution,” Aldo said.

The Brazilian also believes that the lightweight division is currently so wide open that a single big win could instantly put McGregor back in the game.

– Let me tell you one thing: if Conor had fought at 155 pounds today and beaten a big name—not even necessarily someone at the very top—that division would be wide open for him again. In my opinion, things have kind of stalled there. Ilia [Topuria] moved up in weight and lost to [Justin] Gaethje, so it’s become a bit of a mess up there. Anyone can step in and take the belt.

McGregor is promising a strong comeback after yet another injury he sustained during UFC 329. His rematch with Holloway ended just over a minute into the fight. “Notorious” suffered damage to his ACL and meniscus and is expected to be sidelined until at least the summer of 2027.

Over the years, McGregor and the current lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, have exchanged taunts on numerous occasions. Gaethje himself has admitted that he would like to face the Irishman one more time before retiring.

However, some fans remain skeptical as to whether such a matchup will ever actually take place.