When Conor McGregor's long-awaited comeback at UFC 329 ended just 69 seconds into the first round after a jumping kick attempt tore his ACL against Max Holloway, it put his career on ice once again. Following successful surgery in August, the former two-division champion is eyeing a 2027 return to fulfill the final bout of his UFC contract. Yet beyond the physical recovery from a reconstructed knee, McGregor faces a critical decision regarding his optimal weight class: remain at welterweight (170 lbs) or endure the arduous nutritional reset required to make lightweight (155 lbs) again.
For former featherweight king Jose Aldo, the tactical choice is obvious. Although McGregor has added significant muscle bulk during his extended absences, Aldo argues that the Irishman's natural frame and clearest path to championship leverage remain at 155 pounds—provided he commits to a strict dietary overhaul.
The Structural Equation: Kavanagh’s Comfort vs. Aldo’s Shortcut
The primary hurdle facing a lightweight comeback is McGregor’s transformed physical composition. During his time away from competition, McGregor bulked up considerably, making 170 pounds far more natural for his day-to-day walk-around weight. His head coach, John Kavanagh, recently emphasized that cutting weight for welterweight bouts was vastly easier on his athlete's body, indicating that it would require an extraordinary opportunity to justify a return to the 70 kg limit.
However, Aldo (32-10-0 MMA, 14-9-0 UFC) contends that prioritizing weight-cut comfort over divisional geometry is a tactical misstep. The Brazilian veteran maintains that McGregor's frame is naturally suited for 155 pounds and that a single victory at lightweight could instantly vault him back into title contention.
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. And I'll tell you this: today, if Conor fights at 155 and beats a name (that isn't necessarily at the top), the division is wide open again.Jose Aldo, via MMA Fighting
Disruption at 155: Topuria's Setback and an Open Landscape
Aldo's recommendation stems from what he views as a frozen title picture at lightweight. McGregor originally captured the 155-pound crown in November 2016 with a TKO victory over Eddie Alvarez. While McGregor dropped his subsequent outings at lightweight, Aldo believes the current landscape lacks an unassailable dominant force holding down the top rank.
That impression was reinforced when Ilia Topuria moved up to lightweight, only to be turned back by Justin Gaethje. In Aldo's view, that result left the division without a clear hierarchy, opening a unique window for returning contenders.
To me, the division has kind of stalled there. Ilia moved up and lost to Gaethje, so it's a bit of a mess there, and anyone can come in and snatch the title.Jose Aldo
A Shared History in the Cage: From Historic Friction to Late-Career Respect
The relationship between Aldo and McGregor (22-7-0 MMA, 10-5-0 UFC) has evolved significantly since their intense feud culminated at UFC 194 in 2015, when McGregor finished Aldo in 13 seconds. A decade later, that intense rivalry has transformed into genuine professional mutual respect. Having shared the Octagon with both McGregor and Holloway (28-9-0 MMA, 24-9-0 UFC) across three world championship fights, Aldo voiced real sympathy for the knee injury that aborted their July rematch.
Regardless of the outcome back when we fought, I always root for everyone to be able to fight, come back, and do their job. It's sad because of the injury. Everyone waited for him to come back, and then he comes back, you have that fight week, everyone is excited, millions and millions of people (tuning in), and then when the time comes, that happens. It's sad, you know? I hope he can come back, recover, and return to the octagon.Jose Aldo
Divisional Blueprint: Evaluating a 155-Pound Return in 2027
Likely Tactical Pattern: Should McGregor heed Aldo's advice for a 2027 comeback, his effectiveness at 155 pounds will depend heavily on whether shedding added muscle mass restores his distance management and fluid counter-striking. At welterweight, extra mass can hinder lateral quickness; a leaner frame provides superior mobility, assuming his reconstructed knee regains full lateral stability.
Decisive Matchup Variable: Long-term dietary discipline throughout rehabilitation will determine feasibility. Rebuilding ligament strength while maintaining a caloric deficit requires precise periodization well before a formal training camp begins.
Strongest Counter-Case: The primary counter-argument focuses on physical toll. McGregor will be returning after prolonged inactivity and major reconstructive knee surgery. Forcing a severe weight cut down to 155 pounds on aging joints could deplete explosive endurance, lending weight to Kavanagh's belief that welterweight remains the safer alternative.
What Would Change the Read: If UFC matchmakers present an immediate marquee matchup or legacy fight at welterweight upon his 2027 return, the reduced physical strain of competing at 170 pounds could easily outweigh the tactical leverage of dropping to lightweight.
Sources
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- danslacage.com original
- ufc-fr.com original
- actumma.com original
- sports.yahoo.com original
