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.”
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Aldo has had trouble cutting weight to 145 pounds in the past, causing Helwani to question his rationale for dropping divisions.
He lost his last fight to Alex Volkanovski in May but was on a two-fight win streak against Renato Moicano and Jeremy Stephens previously.
“Fair enough. Respect. But, was it truly necessary at this stage in his career?” Helwani asked McGregor. “What can be gained from a cut like this at this point? Prior to his last fight, a loss to the man who is fighting for the belt next week, he looked great in two straight wins/finishes.”
McGregor – who will make a return to MMA against Donald Cerrone in January next year – quashed the debate in trademark style by hinting at his own previous successes in the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
“The rejuvenation of your career with fresh goals and targets! The prestige of being a UFC world champion in two weight divisions!” he wrote.
“The feeling of excitement you will give the fans with all the new potential matchups that can be made! All great and valid reasons! Enjoy.”
