Jose Aldo Backs Former Rival Conor McGregor to Reclaim UFC Gold

An unlikely show of support

Jose Aldo has publicly backed his old rival Conor McGregor to work his way back to a UFC title, a notable gesture given the history between the two fighters.

McGregor's path back to the top of the sport hit a serious setback in July, when he tore his ACL and meniscus in the opening seconds of a rematch against Max Holloway, a fight that had ended a five-year absence from the Octagon. The injury required surgery in August, and McGregor is now targeting a return in the summer of 2027, what would be the final fight of his current UFC contract.

From rivals to well-wishers

Aldo and McGregor's history is not a friendly one. McGregor knocked Aldo out in just 13 seconds in their 2015 title fight, ending an 18-fight win streak and one of the most dominant reigns in UFC history. Despite that, Aldo's comments carried no bitterness.

"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. He added a pointed note on conditioning: "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."

A division wide open

Part of what makes McGregor's potential return interesting is the state of the lightweight division itself. Aldo described it as "a bit of a mess" since Ilia Topuria moved up in weight and then lost to Justin Gaethje, leaving the title picture unsettled. "Anyone can come in and snatch the title," Aldo said, a division-wide uncertainty that could work in an aging McGregor's favor if his knee holds up for a run at gold in 2027.