UFC: Conor McGregor defends ‘troubling’ photos of Jose Aldo’s 135-pound weight cut
- Irishman says old rival ‘looks on top of it’ after ESPN’s Ariel Helwani tweets photos of Brazilian
- McGregor sends ‘respect’ to former opponent for chasing ‘prestige’ of being two-weight champion
Conor McGregor leapt to former opponent Jose Aldo's defence after photos surfaced of the former champion's attempted weight cut to 135 pounds.
Brazilian Aldo (professional MMA record 28-5), whose 10-year featherweight reign was halted by rising star McGregor in 2015, is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes (28-5) in the 135-pound bantamweight division at UFC 245 on December 14.
Aldo is more accustomed to fighting at 145 pounds but decided to drop divisions after going 3-3 since the McGregor loss.
“The first [photo] is very troubling. Still don't understand why Aldo is doing this,” ESPN reporter Ariel Helwani tweeted alongside four photos of Aldo during his weight loss ahead of the fight.
McGregor (21-4), who subjected Aldo to serious mind games before his famous 13-second knockout, came to the 33-year-old's defence, replying to the tweet:
“I disagree here. He looks more than on top of it in my experienced opinion. Well-trimmed in advance, and naturally a lighter man now. This can only be done over a long length of time and with complete dedication. Respect! I wish him well and am excited to see him in this division.”