'I wonder if it is a financial play…' Conor McGregor ponders reason behind rival Jose Aldo’s sudden return to UFC

In the segment, McGregor prompted on only two fights left in his current contract run ahead of a return. UFC listings have McGregor’s bouts as the top 10 PPV buyouts, making him the consensus PPV king of the promotion. Dana White has reiterated and defended the delay in his return stating the Irishman’s riches as an obstacle.

White advocates McGregor is already rich and does not depend on his UFC contract to make a living. Hence, White wants McGregor to commit to a training camp before announcing UFC return. Now, McGregor thought Jose Aldo might have had a similar pickle for his return. Unwilling to fight in other MMA promotions, the Brazilian reverted to pro-boxing before as well.

Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor: through the links

The hostility and build-up between Jose Aldo and rival Conor McGregor is something no other rivals can replicate. So much so that, as of late, Spaniard Ilia Topuria has instigated a similar hype by mimicking McGregor’s belt-stealing move from Aldo.

Jose Aldo was one of the most dominating forces in the 145-pound weight class. Holding tenure for 1848 days, he defeated  Mike Brown  at WEC 44 in 2009 to bag the WEC featherweight gold. Thus becoming one of the most long-reigning UFC champion staples. He lost it out to McGregor at UFC 194, which paved the way for the latter’s success.

He consequently went 3-3 as a 135lber before calling it quits. Over the years, they have had quite the hype around them. From name-calling to blame for ducking, they have done it all. Here’s how they have progressed after their clash:

After the biggest knockdown grudge match skids in history, Aldo fought Jeremy Stephens to a draw at the Gamebred Boxing 4 event in Milwaukee. But he wasn’t up for what McGregor was selling.

Aldo has initially fired back with a hostile tirade at his old rival. However, at MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, he apologized and offered to train with McGregor. Time and again, the Hall of Famer has instigated that he and the rival maintain an amiable friendship.